nd attention--but for some time the noise of argument and the
clatter of tongues were so great that I could not make myself heard.
The duke endeavored to second my efforts, but in vain. At last
Ferrari's notice was attracted--he turned round, and seizing a dessert
knife beat with it on the table and on his own plate so noisily and
persistently that the loud laughter and conversation ceased suddenly.
The moment had come--I raised my head, fixed my spectacles more firmly
over my eyes, and spoke in distinct and steady tones, first of all
stealing a covert glance toward Ferrari. He had sunk back again lazily
in his chair and was lighting a cigarette.

"My friends," I said, meeting with a smile the inquiring looks that
were directed toward me, "I have presumed to interrupt your mirth for a
moment, not to restrain it, but rather to give it a fresh impetus. I
asked you all here to-night, as you know, to honor me by your presence
and to give a welcome to our mutual friend, Signor Guido Ferrari." Here
I was interrupted by a loud clapping of hands and ejaculations of
approval, while Ferrari himself murmured affably between two puffs of
his cigarette. "Tropp' onore, amico, tropp' onore!" I resumed, "This
young and accomplished gentleman, who is, I believe, a favorite with
you all, has been compelled through domestic affairs to absent himself
from our circle for the past few weeks, and I think he must himself be
aware how much we have missed his pleasant company. It will, however,
be agreeable to you, as it has been for me, to know that he has
returned to Naples a richer man than when he left it--that fortune has
done him justice, and that with the possession of abundant wealth he is
at last called upon to enjoy the reward due to his merits!"

Here there was more clapping of hands and exclamations of pleasure,
while those who were seated near Ferrari raised their glasses and drank
to his health with congratulations, all of which courtesies he
acknowledged by a nonchalant, self-satisfied bow. I glanced at him
again--how tranquil he looked!--reclining among the crimson cushions of
his chair, a brimming glass of champagne beside him, the cigarette
between his lips, and his handsome face slightly upturned, though his
eyes rested half drowsily on the uncurtained window through which the
Bay of Naples was seen glittering in the moonlight.

I continued: "It was, gentlemen, that you might welcome and
congratulate Signor Ferrari as you ha