ced her hand upon her
hair, as if she would point out to somebody a diamond pin which shines
amid her jetty locks like a star in a stormy sky."

"You think so?"

"I am sure of it, it is a signal--and see, she has taken her pin from
her hair, and is imploring. Ah! sir, what a pretty Venus hand. One kiss
on her hand, and I would die content!"

"To be sure," said the other mechanically, and without knowing what he
said.

"It is some intrigue," said the gossiper, "the women of our country go
everywhere, to the church, to the court, and to the theatre. It would be
odd if it were the judge's wife. They who always condemn others,
sometimes must atone for it."

"Speak lower, Signor, speak lower; you may compromise her."

"True, true, but by St. Januarius, see what she is about now;" he spoke
lower.

"What!" said the young man.

"She has placed her finger upon her pin, and looks this way, as if she
was interrogating you."

"You are mistaken; besides, how can you see under a veil which way she
looks?"

"There is no doubt about it, it is intended for us, and she wishes to
speak either to you or to me."

Looking towards the person of whom they spoke, for the purpose of giving
more force to his asseveration, he was amazed to see her white hand
holding the diamond pin to her lips. The scene we have been so long
describing had taken place in a few seconds. Prompt as was the reply of
the young man to the interrogatory of the woman, his companion had
perceived it. The latter being a man of good taste, and perfectly expert
in the telegraphs of love, was persuaded that he had interfered in some
love affair, and hastened to say to the hero of the adventure,

"Do not be afraid, sir, I have seen nothing. Well-bred people, such as
you and I are, never speak of secrets we thus become acquainted
with--and I am ready to maintain with my lip and with my sword, that you
have not the slightest acquaintance with the lady there."

"Thank you, sir," said the young man; "your conduct proves you to be a
gentleman."

Just then all the assemblage became full of eager expectation at the
entrance of the High Court, preceded by the President.

"The court is opened--produce the prisoner," said the Grand Judge.

The agitation became stronger. Women stood up in their chairs, men
climbed up on the banisters, and others, vexed at not being able to see,
protested against the appropriation of seats by the legs and boots of
those in front of th