now fell very heavily, and he was asking himself again
why only half the house was lighted up. This was the kind of trivial,
yet whimsical, puzzle on which he enjoyed trying his wits.

He had stood where he was for a few minutes when he heard steps on the
other side of the wall; a moment later a key turned in the lock and the
gate opened. Dieppe turned to find himself confronted by a young man
of tall stature; the dim light showed only the vague outline of a
rather long and melancholy, but certainly handsome, face; the
stranger's air was eminently distinguished. Dieppe raised his hat and
bowed.

"You 'll excuse the liberty," he said, smiling. "I 'm on my way to the
village yonder to find quarters for the night. Your porch offered me a
short rest and shelter from the rain while I smoked a cigar. I presume
that I have the honour of addressing the owner of this fine house?"

"You 're right, sir. I am the Count of Fieramondi," said the young
man, "and this is my house. Do me the favour to enter it and refresh
yourself."

"Oh, but you entertain company, and look at me!" With a smile Dieppe
indicated his humble and travel-worn appearance.

"Company? None, I assure you."

"But the lights?" suggested the Captain, with a wave of his hand.

"You will find me quite alone," the Count assured him, as he turned
into the garden and motioned his guest to follow.

Crossing a path and a stretch of grass, they entered a room opening
immediately on the garden; it was large and high.

Situated at the corner of the house, it had two windows facing on the
garden and two towards the river. It was richly and soberly furnished,
and hung with family portraits. A blazing fire revealed these features
to Dieppe, and at the same time imparted a welcome glow to his body.
The next minute a man-servant entered with a pair of candlesticks,
which he set on the table.

"I am about to dine," said the Count. "Will you honour me with your
company?"

"Your kindness to a complete stranger--" Dieppe began.

"The kindness will be yours. Company is a favour to one who lives
alone."

And the Count proceeded to give the necessary orders to his servant.
Then, turning again to Dieppe, he said, "In return, pray let me know
the name of the gentleman who honours my house."

"I can refuse nothing to my host--to anybody else my name is the only
thing I should refuse. I am called Captain Dieppe."

"Of the French service? Though you speak I