On the forehead was engraved, _Ruit Hora_; and on the occiput _Tibi_, _Hippolyta_.

It opened like a box, the hinging being almost imperceptible, and the ticking inside lent an indescribable air of life to the diminutive skull.

This sepulchral jewel, the offering of some unknown artist to his mistress, had doubtless marked many an hour of rapture, and served as a warning symbol to their amorous souls.
Could a lover wish for anything more exquisite and more suggestive?
'Has she any special reason for recommending this to me ?' thought Andrea, all his hopes reviving on the instant.

He threw himself into the bidding with a sort of fury.

Two or three others bid against him, notably Giannetto Rutolo, who, being in love with Donna Ippolita Albonico, was attracted by the dedication: _Tibi, Hippolyta_.
Presently Rutolo and Sperelli were left alone in the contest.