Forewarned is forearmed--Beware of her spells--you are in a very weak frame of mind just now.' He laughed.

'If you don't mind, I prefer to come unarmed,' he replied, 'or rather in the guise of a victim.

It is a character I have assumed for many an evening lately, but alas, without result so far.' 'Well, the sacrifice will soon be consummated, _cugino mio_.' 'The victim is ready!' The next evening, he arrived at the palace a few minutes earlier than usual, with a wonderful gardenia in his button-hole and a vague uneasiness in his mind.

His _coupe_ had to stop in front of the entrance, the portico being occupied by another carriage, from which a lady was alighting.

The liveries, the horses, the ceremonial which accompanied her arrival all proclaimed a great position.