ect that
the native monster would be more amenable to gentle influences, less
obstinately hardened in his iniquities. Without entering further into
these hypotheses, it is sufficient to say that, on Signor Riccabocca's
appearance in the drawing-room at Hazeldean, Miss Jemima felt more than
ever rejoiced that she had relaxed in his favour her general hostility
to men. In truth, though Frank saw something quizzical in the
old-fashioned and outlandish cut of the Italian's sober dress; in his
long hair, and the chapeau bras, over which he bowed so gracefully, and
then pressed it, as if to his heart, before tucking it under his arm,
after the fashion in which the gizzard reposes under the wing of a
roasted pullet,--yet it was impossible that even Frank could deny
to Riccabocca that praise which is due to the air and manner of an
unmistakable gentleman. And certainly as, after dinner, conversation
grew more familiar, and the parson and Mrs. Dale, who had been invited
to meet their friend, did their best to draw him out, his talk, though
sometimes a little too wise for his listeners, became eminently animated
and agreeable. It was the conversation of a man who, besides the
knowledge which is acquired from books and life, had studied the art
which becomes a gentleman,--that of pleasing in polite society.

The result was that all were charmed with him; and that even Captain
Barnabas postponed the whist-table for a full hour after the usual time.
The doctor did not play; he thus became the property of the two ladies,
Miss Jemima and Mrs. Dale.

Seated between the two, in the place rightfully appertaining to Flimsey,
who this time was fairly dislodged, to her great wonder and discontent,
the doctor was the emblem of true Domestic Felicity, placed between
Friendship and Love.

Friendship, as became her, worked quietly at the embroidered
pocket-handkerchief and left Love to more animated operations.

"You must be very lonely at the Casino," said Love, in a sympathizing
tone.

"Madam," replied Riccabocca, gallantly, "I shall think so when I leave
you."

Friendship cast a sly glance at Love; Love blushed, or looked down
on the carpet,--which comes to the same thing. "Yet," began Love
again,--"yet solitude to a feeling heart--"

Riccabocca thought of the note of invitation, and involuntarily buttoned
his coat, as if to protect the individual organ thus alarmingly referred
to.

"Solitude to a feeling heart has its charms. It