ned with a white rose of
pearls. Her vest and train of white satin did not conceal her sylphlike
form and delicate feet. She held forth a little white hand to Walstein,
adorned only by a single enormous ruby, and welcomed him with inspiring
ease.

'I do not know whether you are acquainted with your companions, Mr.
Walstein,' said Madame de Schulembourg. Walstein looked around,
and recognised the English minister, and had the pleasure of being
introduced, for the first time, to a celebrated sculptor.

'I have heard of your name, not only in Germany,' said Walstein,
addressing the latter gentleman. 'You have left your fame behind you
at Rome. If the Italians are excusably envious, their envy is at least
accompanied with admiration.' The gratified sculptor bowed and slightly
blushed. Walstein loved art and artists. He was not one of those frigid,
petty souls who are ashamed to evince feeling in society. He felt keenly
and expressed himself without reserve. But nature had invested him with
a true nobility of manner as well as of mind. He was ever graceful, even
when enthusiastic.

'It is difficult to remember we are in the North,' said Walstein to
Madame Schulembourg, 'amid these colonnades and orange trees.'

'It is thus that I console myself for beautiful Italy,' replied the
lady, 'and, indeed, to-day the sun favours the design.'

'You have resided long in Italy?' inquired Walstein.

'I was born at Milan,' replied Madame de Schulembourg, 'my father
commanded a Hungarian regiment in garrison.'

'I thought that I did not recognise an Italian physiognomy,' said
Walstein, looking somewhat earnestly at the lady.

'Yet I have a dash of the Lombard blood in me, I assure you,' replied
Madame de Schulembourg, smiling; 'is it not so, Mr. Revel?'

The Englishman advanced and praised the beauty of the lady's mother,
whom he well knew. Then he asked Walstein when he was at Milan; then
they exchanged more words respecting Milanese society; and while they
were conversing, the Doctor entered, followed by a servant: 'I must
compensate for keeping you from dinner,' said their host, 'by having the
pleasure of announcing that it is prepared.'

He welcomed Walstein with warmth. Mr. Revel led Madame to the
dining-room. The table was round, and Walstein seated himself at her
side.

The repast was light and elegant, unusual characteristics of a German
dinner. Madame de Schulembourg conversed with infinite gaiety, but with
an ease t