was pronounced. He knew the fortune and reputation of every
marriageable young man in society, and was therefore eminently
fitted for the task he undertook. To tell the truth, Faustina
herself expected to be married before Easter, for it was eminently
fitting that a young girl should lose no time in such matters. But
she meant to choose a man after her own heart, if she found one;
at all events, she would not submit too readily to the paternal
choice nor appear satisfied with the first tolerable suitor who
should be presented to her.

Under these circumstances it seemed probable that Donna Faustina's
first season, which had begun with the unexpected adventure at the
corner of the old Orso, would not come to a close without some
passage of arms between herself and her father, even though the
ultimate conclusion should lead to the steps of the altar.

The men carried the wounded Zouave away to a distant room, and
Faustina entered the main apartments by the side of the old
prince. She sighed a little as she went.

"I hope the poor man will get well!" she exclaimed.

"Do not disturb your mind about the young man," answered her
father. "He will be attended by the proper persons, and the doctor
will bleed him and the will of Heaven will be done. It is not the
duty of a well-conducted young woman to be thinking of such
things, and you may dismiss the subject at once."

"Yes, papa," said Faustina submissively. But in spite of the
dutiful tone of voice in which she spoke, the dim light of the