I stopped the flood of his eloquence by a mute gesture and withdrew my hand from his clasp.

"I am not angry," I said, with quiet steadiness, and yet with something of coldness, though my whole nature, always highly sensitive, was deeply stirred by the rapid, unstudied expressions of affection that melted so warmly from his lips in the liquid music of the mellow Tuscan tongue. "No, I am not angry, but I am sorry to have been the object of so much solicitude on your part. Your pity is misplaced, Vincenzo, it is indeed! Pity an emperor clad in purples and seated on a throne of pure gold, but do not pity ME! I tell you that, to-morrow, yes, to-morrow, I shall obtain all that I have ever sought--my greatest desire will be fulfilled. Believe it. No man has ever been so thoroughly satiated with--satisfaction--as I shall be!"

Then seeing him look still sad and incredulous, I clapped my hand on his shoulder and smiled.

"Come, come, amico, wear a merrier face for my bridal day, or you will not deserve to wed Lilla. I thank you from my heart," and I spoke more gravely, "for your well meant care and kindness, but I assure you there is nothing wrong with me. I am well--perfectly well--and happy. It is understood that you go to Avellino to-morrow evening?"

Vincenzo sighed, but was passive.

"It must be as the eccellenza pleases," he murmured, resignedly.

"That is well," I answered, good-humoredly; "and as you know my pleasure, take care that nothing interferes with your departure. And--one word more--you must cease to watch me. Plainly speaking, I do not choose to be under your surveillance. Nay--I am not offended, far from it, fidelity and devotion are excellent virtues, but in the present case I prefer obedience--strict, implicit obedience. Whatever I may do, whether I sleep or wake, walk or sit still--attend to YOUR duties and pay no heed to MY actions. So will you best serve me--you understand?"

"Si, signor!" and the poor fellow sighed again, and reddened with his own inward confusion. "You will pardon me, eccellenza, for my freedom of speech? I feel I have done wrong--"

"I pardon you for what in this world is never pardoned--excess of love," I answered, gently. "Knowing you love me, I ask you to obey me in my present wishes, and thus we shall always be friends."

His face brightened at these last words, and his thoughts turned in a new direction. He glanced at the iron box I had before pointed out to him.




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