I shall be delighted to afford you any information you may seek concerning him." Oh, the old mellow music of his voice--how it struck on my heart and pierced it like the refrain of a familiar song loved in the days of our youth.

For an instant I could not speak--wrath and sorrow choked my utterance.

Fortunately this feeling was but momentary--slowly I raised my hat in response to his salutation, and answered stiffly: "I am your servant, signor.

You will oblige me indeed if you can place me in communication with the relatives of this unfortunate young nobleman.

The elder Count Romani was dearer to me than a brother--men have such attachments occasionally.