beautiful Belviso masquerading as a woman by his side, trouble must
succeed trouble without end. On the other hand, I could not for the life
of me see how the parts were to be reversed with any reasonable
assurance. But the good youth himself had no misgivings.

After an exchange of careful courtesies I addressed myself to the dwarf.
"Signor Aristarcho," I said, "this charitable young man has assured me
of your active sympathy with my anxieties. You see before you a victim
of fortune's extremest spite, who can sue for your favours with nothing
but his tears----"

"Don't shed them," says he at the side of his mouth, "they are
precious."

"--and offer you nothing in return but his thanks. But I am speaking to
a gentleman----"

"You are not," he said gruffly. "You are speaking to a man."

"--of honour," I pursued, "and sensibility. In a word, I am speaking to
a Christian. If then you, a Christian, can save the soul of my young and
newly wedded wife--ah, Jesu! my darling from the lions----"

He put up his hand. "No more," he said; "I will do what I can."

I said, "Sir, my boundless gratitude----"

"No more," he stayed me; "I am paid already."

"Alas, sir----" I felt that I must go on; but he would not have it.