h, leisurely and
deliberately drew the jewel-case from beneath the cushion of the ottoman
whereon she was seated, and, handing it to him, said, "Your lordship
perceives that I had not forgotten the reception which his highness
holds to-morrow, since I ere now brought my diamonds hither to select
those which it is my intention to wear."

The count could have pressed her hand as he took the case in his own--he
could have fallen at her feet and demanded pardon for the suspicions
which he had entertained, for it now seemed certain beyond all
possibility of doubt, that the explanation volunteered by the marquis
was a true one--yes, he could have humbled himself in her presence--but
his Italian pride intervened, and he proceeded to examine the diamonds
with no other view than to gain time to reflect how he should account
for the abrupt manner in which he had entered the room ere now, and for
the chilling behavior he had maintained toward his wife.

On her side Giulia, relieved of a fearful weight of apprehension, was
only anxious for this scene to have a speedy termination, that she might
release the robber-captain from his imprisonment behind the tapestry.

Three or four minutes of profound silence now ensued.

But suddenly the count started, and uttered an ejaculation of mingled
rage and surprise.

Giulia's blood ran cold to her very heart's core, she scarcely knew why.

The suspense was not, however, long--though most painful; for, dashing
the jewel-case with its contents upon the table, the old nobleman
approached her with quivering lips and a countenance ghastly white,
exclaiming, "Vile woman! thinkest thou to impose upon me thus? The
diamonds I gave thee are gone--the stones set in their place are
counterfeit!"

Giulia gazed up toward her husband's countenance for a few moments in a
manner expressive of blank despair; then falling on her knees before
him, clasping her hands together, she screamed frantically, "Pardon!
pardon!"

"Ah! then it is all indeed too true!" murmured the unhappy nobleman,
staggering as if with a blow: but, recovering his balance, he stamped
his foot resolutely upon the floor, and drawing himself up to his full
height, while he half averted his eyes from his kneeling wife, he
exclaimed: "Lost--guilty--abandoned woman, how canst thou implore pardon
at my hands? For pardon is mercy, and what mercy hast thou shown to me?
Giulia, I am descended from an old and mighty race, and tradition
affo