tell them that their guests were on their way upstairs, and that supper
would be ready shortly.

Three people, in fact, were ascending the narrow winding stair of the
little villa, Giovanni went down to meet them. First came his young
friend Leyni, who, on greeting Giovanni, begged to be excused for
preceding the two ecclesiastics who were his companions.

"I am master of ceremonies," he explained, and proceeded to introduce
them there on the stairs.

"The Abbe" Marinier of Geneva. Don Paolo Fare of Varese, with whose name
you are already acquainted."

Selva was slightly perplexed; nevertheless he at once invited his guests
to follow him, and conducted them to the terrace, where some chairs had
been placed.

"And Dane?" said he anxiously to Leyni, taking his arm, "And Professor
Minucci, and Father Salvati."

"They have arrived," the young man replied, smiling. "They are at the
Aniene. I must tell you about it--but it is a long story! They will be
here presently."

Meanwhile the Abbe Marinier had gone out on the terrace, and now
exclaimed:

"_Oh, c'est admirable!_"