Born cautious," explained Dona Rita crisply with the slightest possible quiver of her lips.

"Suddenly I had the inspiration to make use of Azzolati, who had been reminding me by a constant stream of messages that he was an old friend.

I never took any notice of those pathetic appeals before.

But in this emergency I sat down and wrote a note asking him to come and dine with me in my hotel.

I suppose you know I don't live in the Pavilion.