I have had many trials--I now take my rest in my own fashion." "A very excellent and sensible fashion!" smiled Ferrari, leaning his head easily back on the satin cushions of the easy-chair into which he had thrown himself.
"Do you know, conte, now I look at you well, I think you must have been very handsome when you were young! You have a superb figure.'" I bowed stiffly.

"You flatter me, signor! I believe I never was specially hideous--but looks in a man always rank second to strength, and of strength I have plenty yet remaining." "I do not doubt it," he returned, still regarding me attentively with an expression in which there was the faintest shadow of uneasiness.
"It is an odd coincidence, you will say, but I find a most extraordinary resemblance in the height and carriage of your figure to that of my late friend Romani." I poured some wine out for myself with a steady hand, and drank it.
"Really ?" I answered.

"I am glad that I remind you of him--if the reminder is agreeable! But all tall men are much alike so far as figure goes, providing they are well made." Ferrari's brow was contracted in a musing frown and he answered not.

He still looked at me, and I returned his look without embarrassment.
Finally he roused himself, smiled, and finished drinking his glass of Montepulciano.

Then he rose to go.
"You will permit me to mention your name to the Countess Romani, I hope ?" he said, cordially.