Mistress was much encouraged. She soon accustomed herself to that
grim palazzo, and would sing, and play the harp, and copy the old
pictures, and stroll with master under the green trees and vines
all day. She was beautiful. He was happy. He would laugh and say
to me, mounting his horse for his morning ride before the heat:

'All goes well, Baptista!'

'Yes, signore, thank God, very well.'

We kept no company. I took la bella to the Duomo and Annunciata,
to the Cafe, to the Opera, to the village Festa, to the Public
Garden, to the Day Theatre, to the Marionetti. The pretty little
one was charmed with all she saw. She learnt Italian - heavens!
miraculously! Was mistress quite forgetful of that dream? I asked
Carolina sometimes. Nearly, said la bella - almost. It was
wearing out.

One day master received a letter, and called me.

'Baptista!'

'Signore!'

'A gentleman who is presented to me will dine here to-day. He is
called the Signor Dellombra. Let me dine like a prince.'

It was an odd name. I did not know that name. But, there had been
many noblemen and gentlemen pursued by Austria on political