oncealed himself. "What cheer brings thou from Rome, my gallant
lad'? Certes, thy look is loftier and manlier now, whatever fortune thou
hast had."

"Kind friend," replied the youth, "I may say that I have had both good
and ill fortune; though mostly good, if thou dost agree with my opinion.
I bring, through intercession of the pope, a pardon from our king. And
thou and thine, if henceforth ye are pleased to remain at peace, will be
accepted by the law which now holds your lives forfeit."

Sartello grasped with a vice-like pressure the hand which the youth held
out.

"I am well repaid, Gulielmo, for what little I have done in thy behalf,
since thou hast thus brought me my heart's desire. No more will we roam
the land, outlaws from honest men. We will till and toil, and freely
live, scathless and void of care. But of thyself, what speed? say
quickly."

The youth frankly smiled.

"My pocket is rather low," he said, "although my hopes are not. I have
gained some honor, whatever its worth may be. And now, how fares the
gentle maid whom I so long to see?"

"Ah," replied Sartello, shaking his head sadly, "these women are indeed
a puzzle. I fear much that Rosa's mind has changed since your departure.
Absence, as the poets say, is love's worst bane. But let her go,
Gulielmo; fairer charms than hers will soon ease your pain."

Gulielmo stood for a moment as colorless as marble.

"Is this the reward," he said, at length, "of all my weary toil?"

"Pray comfort yourself," replied his friend. "I may as well tell you the
worst at once. They say that her wedding-dress is prepared. Jean Maret's
gold, and the importunities of old Gaspar, have been too much, fancy,
for her fickle resolution."

A single tear fell from Gulielmo, notwithstanding the proud compressure
of his lips.

"Let it be so," said he. "I will make no words about it. Neither will I
shun her sight. I will face it out, and shame them who think to flout me
thus."

"Bravo, my lad!" exclaimed Sartello. "I find that you are of the true
stuff. So come along; the hour is already near, when she is to change
her name. I feared at first to tell you the tale, but am glad to learn
that my fears were needless."

Gulielmo's burning cheek might have sown the pain which raged within his
breast: but, nevertheless, he accompanied Sartello with a firm and
confident stop till they reached the inn where the guests had already
begun to assemble. In the porch, by the side of Je