I stood close to the railing, with a rambling gaze over this
enchanted earth and sea and sky, while my friend walked
nervously up and down behind me. We had come to Naples in the
late afternoon, and had found a note from Mrs. Landry at our
hotel, asking us for dinner. Poor Jr. had not spoken more than
twice since he had read me this kind invitation, but now I heard
a low exclamation from him, which let me know who was
approaching; and that foolish trembling got hold of me again as
I turned.

Mrs. Landry came first, with outstretched hand, making some talk
excusing delay; and, after a few paces, followed the loveliest
of all the world. Beside her, in silhouette against the white
window lights of the hotel, I saw the very long, thin figure of
a man, which, even before I recognized it, carried a certain
ominousness to my mind.

Mrs. Landry, in spite of her florid contentedness, had sometimes
a fluttering appearance of trivial agitations.

"The Prince came down from Rome this morning," she said
nervously, and I saw my friend throw back his head like a man
who declines the eye-bandage when they are going to shoot him.
"He is dining with us. I know you will be glad to meet him."

The beautiful lady took Poor Jr.'s hand, more than he hers, for
he seemed dazed, in spite of the straight way he stood, and it
was easy to behold how white his face was. She made the
presentation of us both at the same time, and as the other man