I felt wonderfully calmed and cheered--as soothed, mademoiselle, as I have noticed you yourself have felt when in MY company." Here Cellini paused, and looked at me as though expecting a question; but I preferred to remain silent till I had heard all he had to say.

He therefore resumed: "We reached the Hotel Costanza, where Heliobas was evidently well known.

The waiters addressed him as Monsieur le Comte; but he gave me no information as to this title.

He had a superb suite of rooms in the hotel, furnished with every modern luxury; and as soon as we entered a light supper was served.

He invited me to partake, and within the space of half an hour I had told him all my history--my ambition--my strivings after the perfection of colour--my disappointment, dejection, and despair--and, finally, the fearful dread of coming madness that had driven me to attempt my own life.