Do you know her father ?" "No, Belotti." "That's a race-a race! Have you never heard anything of the story of our signorina's older sister ?" "Has Henrica an older sister ?" "Yes, sir, and when I think of her .-- Imagine the signorina, exactly like our signorina, only taller, more stately, more beautiful." "Isabella!" exclaimed the musician.

A conjecture, which had been aroused since his conversation with Henrica, appeared to be confirmed; he seized the steward's arm so suddenly and unexpectedly, that the latter drew back, and continued eagerly: "What do you know of her?
I beseech you, Belotti, tell me all." The servant looked up the stairs, then shaking his head, answered: "You are probably mistaken.

There has never been an Isabella in this house to my knowledge, but I will gladly place myself at your service.
Come again after sunset, but you must expect to hear no pleasant tale." Twilight had scarcely yielded to darkness, when the musician again entered the Hoogstraten mansion.

The little room was empty, but Belotti did not keep him waiting long.
The old man placed a dainty little waiter, bearing a jug of wine and a goblet, on the table beside the lamp and, after informing Wilhelm of the invalids' condition, courteously offered him a chair.

When the musician asked him why he had not brought a cup for himself too, he replied: "I drink nothing but water, but allow me to take the liberty to sit down.