Signora Martina, his wife, was a good soul, and, though a strict housewife, was yet not so thrifty but that she could allow a little of her abundance to overflow on those in her service; and these crumbs from her table added many delicious bits to the bean-flour repasts.

"Oh, Santa Maria!" sighed Signora Martina, in sad presentiment.

" Signora Martina smiled rather a grim smile at this compliment to her olives.

" "Strange things do happen, however," observed Signora Martina, thoughtfully,"things that neither priest nor lawyer can explain.

The Signora's voice sent a shudder through all the women present.

" This assertion produced such a hubbub as sent the Doctor growling from the room, and left Signora Martina at liberty to comply with the general petition for the story.

" "A pretty folly for a man of forty!" cried Signora Martina, still smarting under her late fright.

"Signora, adieu; we have met on this water when there was less restraint between us.

For example, she took part in the marriage ceremonies of Virginia de' Medici, unhappy Signora Cammilla's child, in 1586, with Don Cesare d'Este.

So the wise New Yorkers have been feting, as Maria Cordifiamma, the white woman (for am I not fairer than many an Italian signora?), whom they would have looked upon as an inferior being under the name of Marie Lavington: though there is finer old English blood running in my veins, from your native Berkshire, they say, than in any a Down-Easter's who hangs upon my lips.

Address me henceforth, then, as La Signora Maria Cordifiamma.

Moreover, he will sleep all night with open eye; for he will not be in bed till five to-morrow morning; and pricked he is, and that sorely, in his courage; for he is as much in love as his little nature can be, with the new actress, La Signora Cordifiamma, of the Never-mind-what Theatre.

"Poor Flake was half mad about you, Signora, in the stage-box to-night," said Sabina.

" "How rude!" said Sabina, laughing; "what is he doing but hinting that La Signora's conception of Lady Macbeth is a very partial and imperfect one?"

" "I have not known La Signora long enough," said Claude, "to aspire to such an honour.

" "Men can be just as original now as ever," said La Signora, "if they had but the courage, even the insight.

" "Yes," answered Stangrave, coldly, as in a dream; "I have known Mr. Thurnall in past years; but not in connection with La Signora Cordifiamma.

This is our simple story, noble and illustrious signora, and the reason why my poor niece, here, bears the name as great as that of Caraccioli.

" "Such is the fact, Signora.

Some even say, Signora, that he is to meet his fate ere the sun set.

" "Signora, it is not politics that brings me here, but nature, and duty, and pious love for my father's father.

" "Signora, it is always decent to interfere to save life; nay, it is moreit is merciful in the eyes of God.

" "No, Signora, it is not so.

It is true, Don Francesco is aged; but have you not remarked, signora, that it is these very aged who become hardened to their state, and live on, as if never to die?I mean those aged who suffer youth to pass, as if the pleasures of life are never to have an end.

There I joined Lucagnolo a goldsmith, and was employed in making plate and jewels by the Cardinals Cibo, Cornaro, and Salviati, the Bishop of Salamanca, and Signora Porzia Chigi, and was able to open a shop entirely on my own account.