he little farm.

They found Ser Federigo digging the ground like Adam of old, and when
he beheld these fair ladies, his garden seemed to become a second Eden
and the river, flowing by, like the stream which watered Paradise.

[Illustration]

Beautiful as was Monna Giovanna's young companion, Ser Federigo had no
eyes for anyone but his dear lady, who, at first doubtful as to how she
should begin her errand, soon raised her stately head and addressed him
in kindly tones.

"Ser Federigo," said she, "I and my companion come hither to see you in
friendship, trusting by this means to make some amends for my unkindness
to you in the past. In former days I would not so much as cross the
threshold of your door; I refused your banquets and rejected your gifts.
But this morning I am here, self-invited, to put your generous nature to
the test, and therefore ask if we may breakfast with you beneath your
vine?"

Humbly Ser Federigo made reply: "Speak not of your unkindness to me, for
if there is within me any good or generous feeling it is to you I owe
it, and this gracious favor you do me in seeking me here is sufficient
to outweigh all my sorrows and regrets of former years."

After a little further talk had passed between them, Ser Federigo asked
his guests to wait in his garden for a brief space while he went to give
orders for breakfast. As he entered his cottage his thoughts dwelt
regretfully on the gold and silver plate and the ruby glass which had
once been his, and it vexed him sorely that his humble abode was lacking
in every luxury.

Matters were even worse than the poor host had anticipated; he searched
every cupboard and ransacked every shelf, but could find nothing. Then
he summoned the maid and asked why it was that provisions had failed
them. "The Signor forgets that he did not hunt to-day," replied the
girl. "We have nothing but bread and wine in the house, and fruit from
the garden."

Then suddenly the falcon shook its bells and looked knowingly at his
master as much as to say, "If anything is wanted, I am here!"

"Yes, everything is wanted, my gallant bird," cried his master, and
without more ado he seized hold of the poor creature and wrung its neck.
Grieved as he was at being forced to sacrifice his only friend, his
master had no time to mourn his untimely end. Hastily a snow-white cloth
was spread on the rough table, and on it was laid a loaf of bread
flanked by purple grapes and fragrant peaches; in