Permit me to introduce myself," and I handed him my visiting-card with a slight and formal bow.

He accepted it, and as he read the name it bore he gave me a quick glance of respect mingled with pleased surprise.
"The Conte Cesare Oliva!" he exclaimed.

"I esteem myself most fortunate to have met you! Your arrival has already been notified to us by the avant-courier of the fashionable intelligence, so that we are well aware," here laughing lightly, "of the distinctive right you have to a hearty welcome in Naples.

I am only sorry that any distressing news should have darkened the occasion of your return here after so long an absence.

Permit me to express the hope that it may at least be the only cloud for you on our southern sunshine!" And he extended his hand with that ready frankness and bonhomie which are always a part of the Italian temperament, and were especially so of his.