"But I do not think"-- she ventured with hesitation--and then as she gained courage, she went on more firmly--"that I can take it! I dare not, Messer Syndic." "Why not ?" "Papers for the State--were one thing," she stammered in confusion; "but to take this--a bottle--would be stealing!" The Syndic's eyes sparkled.

His passion overcame him.

"Girl, don't play with me!" he cried.

"Don't dare to play with me!" And then as she shrank back alarmed by his tone, and shocked by this sudden peeping forth of the tragic and the real, lo, in a twinkling he was another man, trembling, and holding out shaking hands to her.

"Get it for me!" he said.