quick. A little jealousy was quite in
order with regard to Mrs. Hawthorne now, on the simple ground of that
more intimate footing of friendship established between them by the
portrait. With the expression of courteous mournfulness proper in an
outrivaled cavalier, he made the gesture silently of having been at the
lady's service. Manlio did the same.

The singular blonde, with Nubian lip and Parisian hair, Miss Deliverance
Jones, or, more commonly, Livvy, who spent this evening at the farther
end of the box making her own reflections on the European doings of
which she got glimpses, held up a white satin domino for her mistress's
arms. Gerald precipitated himself, took it from the maid and held it in
her place. He tried to meet his friend's glance, hoping for some
faintest sign of participation in his regret at not having been
"spryer." For the space of a second, just before she fastened on her
mask, he caught her eye. Brief and bright as the illumination of summer
lightning, a look of fun flashed over her face. She winked at him.

Landini ceremoniously held his arm for her and Gerald saw them leave
together with a lessened objection.

Gerald had for some time past suspected that Landini was paying court to
Mrs. Hawthorne. Whether the lady were aware of it he could not tell.
Gerald had not believed the man had a chance, although, women being
incalculable, one can never feel quite easy. But now he could almost
have found it in himself to pity the somewhat singular man--Italian in
fact, English in manner, Oriental in looks,--if so were he had built up
any little practical dream on the fair widow's acceptance of him. To the
possibility of a sentimental dream Gerald did not accord one single
thought.

He seated himself, to wait for their return. Only Manlio was left in the
box besides himself. Manlio, consecrated to the worship of one afar,
cared little to mix with the profane and noisy multitude. As Gerald
leaned forth to see the couple that had just left them reappear
down-stairs, Manlio, whose eyes followed his, remarked very sincerely,
when the large easily-recognized white domino came into sight "_E
buona_!" which can be translated either, "She is kind," or "She is
good."

Gerald felt the warmth of an increased liking for him, because of the
perspicacity he showed. They lighted cigarettes, and together looked
over the marvelous scene, so rich in color and life, while they talked
of things that bore no relation t