sat, was opened, and a servant, announcing Signor Da Vinci, ushered
in the young stranger of the preceding night. He advanced with a
puzzled, inquiring expression, and with a slightly apologetic bow,
said:

"I came in accordance with a request expressed in a note from
Signorina Zampieri."

"I presume you were somewhat surprised, signor, but my motive must
be my excuse. I have a friend in whom you were greatly interested,
and who wishes you to be made acquainted with the solution of the
mystery which separated her from you."

The gentleman had hitherto been only attentive, but at these last
words, an expression of eager inquiry pervaded every feature. Teresa
continued:

"This lady, five years ago, was betrothed to Leonarde Da Vinci."

"Myself!"

"I am aware of that fact, but permit me to continue without
interruption. Well knowing her father would never consent to her
marriage, a plan of elopement was arranged. On the appointed night,
the lady, according to agreement, stole to the palace steps, and
seeing in the deep shadow a gondola which drew up as she approached,
doubted not that the occupant was her lover. She was received, to
her belief, in his arms, the light was burning but dimly, and for
greater security her companion, who was masked, proposed in a
whisper that she should cover her face also. She was nearly beside