t with deep-chested laughter.

"We 're not exactly _agin_ the government," Baldo answered, "but we
believe in remodelling it. What Italy needs"--he looked a very Solon;
and his brother nodded concurrence in his opinion---"is a House of Lords."

"I see--I see," said Adrian.

"We want you to come and stay with us," said Franco. "We 've a villa
half a mile up the Riva. You 'd be more comfortable there than here, and
it would give us the greatest pleasure to have you."

"The greatest possible pleasure," cordially echoed Baldo.

"You 're exceedingly good," said Adrian. "And I should be most happy.
But I 'm afraid--"

"Not another word," protested Franco. "You 'll come. That' s settled."

"That's settled," echoed Baldo.

"We 'll send down for your traps this afternoon," said Franco. "Have you
a man with you? No? Then we 'll send Grimes. He 'll pack for you, and
bring up your traps. But we hope to carry you off with us now--in time
for luncheon."

"I don't know how to thank you," said Adrian. "But I 'm afraid--I hate
to destroy an illusion, yet in honesty I must--I 'm afraid I 'm not the
person you take me for. I 'm afraid there's a misapprehension. I--"

"Oh, we 'll respect your incog all right, if that's what's troubling
you," promised Baldo. "You shall be Mr. Anthony Craford."

"Craford _of_ Craford," Franco corrected him.

"But there it is," said Adrian. "Now see how I 'm forced to disappoint
you. I 'm awfully sorry, but I 'm _not_ Mr. Anthony Craford--no, nor
Craford _of_ Craford, either."

"What?" puzzled Franco.

"Not Craford?" puzzled Baldo.

"No," said Adrian, sadly. "I 'm awfully sorry, but my name is Willes."

"Willes?" said Franco. "But it was Craford in the visitors' book at the
Palazzo Rosso. That's how we knew you were here."

"My brother is the Hereditary Constable of the Palace," said Baldo. "It
is now merely an honorary office. But the visitors' book is brought to
him whenever there have been any visitors."

"And we inquired for Craford downstairs," supplemented Franco. "And they
said you were at home, and showed us up."

"I 'm awfully sorry," repeated Adrian. "But Craford and I are as
distinct as night and morning. Craford has gone out for a solitary walk.
My name is Willes. Craford and I are travelling together."

"Oh, I see," cried Franco; and slapping his thigh, "Ho, ho, ho," he
laughed.

"Ho, ho, ho," laughed Baldo. "We were jolly well sold."

"We--ho