girl of mine"--when I walked out of the cupboard and stood, pale but
composed, before him at the opposite side of the table. Even then, so
absorbed he was in his mellow humours he did not hear me. "Eh, la
Madonna!" he mused--"as good as gold!" He stretched his legs out to the
full and glanced with lazy luxury round about his room. Then he saw me.




CHAPTER V

DISASTER


"Light of Light!" he said in a horrible whisper--and again, "Very God--"

"Doctor Lanfranchi," said I seriously, for my passion lifted me up,
"Doctor Lanfranchi, she is better than refined gold."

He did what I suppose he had not done for many years; he crossed himself
over the face. "Bless my soul!" he said.

"Sir, sir," I admonished him, "you little know of what excellent
substance that saint is compact. Sir--"

I might have continued I know not how long upon a theme so noble, but
for his astonishment, which, though it kept him stupid, must have a
vent. "Who the devil--" stammers he, "What the devil--" It amazed me,
and vexed me greatly, that I could not make him understand whom I
praised. I went close to him, I touched him on the shoulder.