The spectator was standing on the wall above the garden border examining with appreciation the idyllic scene below him, and with most particular appreciation, the dainty white-clad person of the girl on the balustrade.

He was wondering--anxiously--how he might make his presence known.

For no very tangible reason he had suddenly become conscious that the matter would be easier if he carried in his pocket a letter of introduction.

The purlieus of Villa Rosa in no wise resembled a desert island; and in the face of that very fluent Italian, the suspicion was forcing itself upon him that after all, the mere fact of a common country was not a sufficient bond of union.

He had definitely decided to withdraw, when the matter was taken from his hands.
[Illustration: "Giuseppe still made a feint of preoccupation"] The wall--as Gustavo had pointed out--was broken; it was owing to this fact that he had been so easily able to climb it.