rust your business to our illustrious
guest is of good omen and pleasant import. If you bring evil news, defer
it, I pray you."

Glyndon's brow was sullen; and he was about to startle the guests by
his reply, when Zanoni, touching his arm significantly, whispered in
English, "I know why you have sought me. Be silent, and witness what
ensues."

"You know then that Viola, whom you boasted you had the power to save
from danger--"

"Is in this house!--yes. I know also that Murder sits at the right hand
of our host. But his fate is now separated from hers forever; and the
mirror which glasses it to my eye is clear through the streams of blood.
Be still, and learn the fate that awaits the wicked!

"My lord," said Zanoni, speaking aloud, "the Signor Glyndon has indeed
brought me tidings not wholly unexpected. I am compelled to leave
Naples,--an additional motive to make the most of the present hour."

"And what, if I may venture to ask, may be the cause that brings such
affliction on the fair dames of Naples?"

"It is the approaching death of one who honoured me with most loyal
friendship," replied Zanoni, gravely. "Let us not speak of it; grief
cannot put back the dial. As we supply by new flowers those that fade
in our vases, so it is the secret of worldly wisdom to replace by fresh
friendships those that fade from our path."

"True philosophy!" exclaimed the prince. "'Not to admire,' was the
Roman's maxim; 'Never to mourn,' is mine. There is nothing in life to
grieve for, save, indeed, Signor Zanoni, when some young beauty, on whom
we have set our hearts, slips from our grasp. In such a moment we have
need of all our wisdom, not to succumb to despair, and shake hands with
death. What say you, signor? You smile! Such never could be your lot.
Pledge me in a sentiment, 'Long life to the fortunate lover,--a quick
release to the baffled suitor'?"

"I pledge you," said Zanoni; and, as the fatal wine was poured into his
glass, he repeated, fixing his eyes on the prince, "I pledge you even in
this wine!"

He lifted the glass to his lips. The prince seemed ghastly pale,
while the gaze of his guest bent upon him, with an intent and stern
brightness, beneath which the conscience-stricken host cowered and
quailed. Not till he had drained his draft, and replaced the glass upon
the board, did Zanoni turn his eyes from the prince; and he then said,
"Your wine has been kept too long; it has lost its virtues. It might
disagree w