He said quietly: "Who told you, madame, that I am engaged ?" "Why, she did, of course!" went on my friend, nodding towards me, regardless of an imploring look I cast at her.

"And said you were perfectly devoted!" "She is quite right," replied Cellini, with another of those rare sweet smiles of his; "and you also are right, madame, in your supposition: my betrothed is a Dream of Beauty." I was infinitely relieved.

I had not, then, been guilty of a falsehood.
But the mystery remained: how had I discovered the truth of the matter at all?
While I puzzled my mind over this question, the other lady who had accompanied Mrs.Everard spoke.

She was an Austrian of brilliant position and attainments.
"You quite interest me, signor!" she said.

"Is your fair fiancee here to-night ?" "No, madame," replied Cellini; "she is not in this country." "What a pity!" exclaimed Amy.