We had come to Naples in the late afternoon, and had found a note from Mrs.Landry at our hotel, asking us for dinner.

Poor Jr.

had not spoken more than twice since he had read me this kind invitation, but now I heard a low exclamation from him, which let me know who was approaching; and that foolish trembling got hold of me again as I turned.
Mrs.Landry came first, with outstretched hand, making some talk excusing delay; and, after a few paces, followed the loveliest of all the world.

Beside her, in silhouette against the white window lights of the hotel, I saw the very long, thin figure of a man, which, even before I recognized it, carried a certain ominousness to my mind.
Mrs.Landry, in spite of her florid contentedness, had sometimes a fluttering appearance of trivial agitations.
"The Prince came down from Rome this morning," she said nervously, and I saw my friend throw back his head like a man who declines the eye-bandage when they are going to shoot him.

"He is dining with us.