The news rejoiced me; but may your humble servant make free to ask you if it be true ?" The name of his betrothed flushed his cheek with joy, and he answered, with a smile: "Yes, Julio, it is true." "How blessed you are, signor!" "Yes, Julio, God has bestowed upon me the greatest earthly blessing, for which I shall eternally thank him.

On the solemn day of our nuptials you will have cause to rejoice." "I, signor ?" "Yes, you, Julio.

Miss Van de Werve wishes to recompense you herself for the assistance you gave me against Bufferio and his comrades.

The day of my marriage you will receive a new cloak, a new doublet, new small-clothes of fine cloth and silk, such as a servant has never worn." Julio, touched by this proof of kindness, stammered his thanks indistinctly.

He heard the young man speaking to him and telling him how richly he deserved such a present, but he paid no attention to the words; he was endeavoring to bring himself to the degree of audacity requisite to fulfil his master's orders.