The less I appeared to care about seeing the Countess Romani, the more anxious Ferrari was to introduce me--( introduce me!--to my wife!)--and he set to work preparing his own doom with assiduous ardor.
"Oh, but you must see her!" he exclaimed, eagerly.

"She will receive you, I am sure, as a special guest.

Your age and your former acquaintance with her late husband's family will win from her the utmost courtesy, believe me! Besides, she is not really inconsolable--" He paused suddenly.

We had arrived at the entrance of my hotel.

I looked at him steadily.
"Not really inconsolable ?" I repeated, in a tone of inquiry ferrari broke into a forced laugh, "Why no!" he said, "What would you?
She is young and light-hearted--perfectly lovely and in the fullness of youth and health.