But there is one poor fellow I do pity more even than they." There was something in the tone of the count's words--a simple pathos, and almost a melody, which interested Harry Clavering.

No one knew better than Count Pateroff how to use all the inflexions of his voice, and produce from the phrases he used the very highest interest which they were capable of producing.

He now spoke of his pity in a way that might almost have made a sensitive man weep.

"Who is that you pity so much ?" Harry asked.
"The man who cannot digest," said the count, in a low, clear voice.

Then he bent down his head over the morsel of food on his plate, as though he were desirous of hiding a tear.