noble expression, A bell rang slowly and sweetly--a call to prayer
in some not far distant monastery, and the first glimmer of the
stars began to sparkle faintly in the darkening heavens. A little
sigh from Morgana stirred the stillness.

"If one could always live in this sort of mood!" she suddenly
exclaimed--"This lovely peace in the glow of the sunset and the
perfume of the flowers!--and you, Don Aloysius, talking beautiful
things!--why then, one would be perpetually happy and good! But such
living would not be life!--one must go with the time--"

Don Aloysius smiled indulgently.

"Must one? Is it so vitally necessary? If I might take the liberty
to go on speaking I would tell you a story--a mere tradition--but it
might weary you--"

A general chorus of protest from all present assured him of their
eagerness to hear.

"As if YOU could weary anybody!" Morgana said. "You never do--only
you have an effect upon ME which is not very flattering to my self-
love!--you make me feel so small!"

You ARE small, physically"--said Don Aloysius--Do you mind that?
Small things are always sweetest!"

She flushed, and turned her head away as she caught the Marchese
Rivardi's eyes fixed upon her.