and as if it had been a mask that suddenly became
transparent, the girl saw another face through it, drawn into an
expression of malignant and devilish hatred.

[Illustration: "HE MOVED A STEP TOWARDS THE BED, AND THEN ANOTHER,
FORCING HIMSELF TO GO ON."]

The vision only lasted a moment, and the impenetrable pale features were
there once more, showing neither hate nor fear, nor any feeling or
emotion whatever. Corbario was himself again, and turned quietly to the
Superintendent.

"She is quite right," he said. "His memory is gone, and we shall only
disturb him. You tell me that the doctors have found a very slight
depression in his head, as if from a blow. Do you think--but it will
annoy him--I had better not."

"What do you mean?" asked the other, as he hesitated.

"It is such a strange case that I should like to see just where it is,
out of pure curiosity."

"It is here," said Regina, answering, and setting the tip of one
straight finger against her own head to point out the place.

"Oh, at the back, on the right side? I see--yes--thank you. A little on
one side, you say?"

"Here," repeated Regina, turning so that Corbario could see exactly
where the end of her finger touched her hair.

"To think that so slight an injury may have permanently affected the
young man's memory!" Corbario appeared much impressed. "Well," he
continued, speaking to Regina, "if we ever find out who he is, his
relations owe you a debt of gratitude quite beyond all payment."

"Do you think I want to be paid?" asked Regina, and in her indignation
she turned away and walked to the window.

But Marcello called her back.

"Please, Regina--please tell them to go away!" he pleaded.

Corbario nodded to the Superintendent, and they left the room.

"There is certainly a strong resemblance," said Folco, when they were
outside, "but it really cannot be my poor Marcello. I was almost too
much affected by the thought of seeing him again to control myself when
we first entered, but when I came near I felt nothing. It is not he, I
am sure. I loved him as if he were my own son; I brought him up; we were
always together. It is not possible that I should be mistaken."

"No," replied the Superintendent, "I should hardly think it possible.
Besides, from what the girl has told me, I am quite sure that he lay ill
near Tivoli. How is it possible that he should have got there, all the
way from the Roman shore?"

"And with a fractured skull! It is