mademoiselle, administered to anyone not prepared to receive it,
would be instant death, though its actual use is to vivify and
strengthen human life. You understand now why I said you were in
danger?"

"I understand," I replied, though in sober truth I was mystified and
puzzled.

"And you forgive my seeming rudeness?"

"Oh, certainly! But you have aroused my curiosity. I should like to
know more about this strange medicine of yours."

"You shall know more if you wish," said Cellini, his usual equable
humour and good spirits now quite restored. "You shall know
everything; but not to-day. We have too little time. I have not yet
commenced your picture. And I forgot--you were thirsty, and I was,
as you said, inhospitable. You must permit me to repair my fault."

And with a courteous salute he left the room, to return almost
immediately with a tumbler full of some fragrant, golden-coloured
liquid, in which lumps of ice glittered refreshingly. A few loose
rose-leaves were scattered on the top of this dainty-looking
beverage.

"You may enjoy this without fear," said he, smiling; "it will do you
good. It is an Eastern wine, unknown to trade, and therefore
untampered with. I see you are looking at the rose-leaves on the
surface. That is a Persian custom, and I think a pretty one. They
float away from your lips in the action of drinking, and therefore