But, stay! I am going for a little airing to the grounds of the Villa Borghese this afternoon.

You will think it very foolish, but I always feel the safer in your company, Hilda, slender little maiden as you are.

Will you come ?" "Ah, not to-day, dearest Miriam," she replied; "I have set my heart on giving another touch or two to this picture, and shall not stir abroad till nearly sunset." "Farewell, then," said her visitor.

"I leave you in your dove-cote.

What a sweet, strange life you lead here; conversing with the souls of the old masters, feeding and fondling your sister doves, and trimming the Virgin's lamp! Hilda, do you ever pray to the Virgin while you tend her shrine ?" "Sometimes I have been moved to do so," replied the Dove, blushing, and lowering her eyes; "she was a woman once.