More than once Miss Nevil was seen to smile, and Orso's fraternal vanity suffered tortures.
Bedtime came, and the two young girls retired to their room.

There, while Miss Lydia unclasped her necklace, ear-rings, and bracelets, she watched her companion draw something out of her gown--something as long as a stay-busk, but very different in shape.

Carefully, almost stealthily, Colomba slipped this object under her _mezzaro_, which she laid on the table.

Then she knelt down, and said her prayers devoutly.
Two minutes afterward she was in her bed.

Miss Lydia, naturally very inquisitive, and as slow as every Englishwoman is about undressing herself, moved over to the table, pretended she was looking for a pin, lifted up the _mezzaro_, and saw a long stiletto--curiously mounted in silver and mother-of-pearl.