"Madam," I said, "since you showed me so plainly that my company was not
to your taste, I have no right to be here. My fault--my old fault--is so
clearly before me that I should not have dared commit another. If I may
once more ask your pardon----"

"Oh, my pardon!" cried she, faltering. "Why, what harm have you done me
now, pray?"

"Madam," says the count, "my young friend's fault is a very natural one.
If he is a sinner, what must your ladyship be? For if it is sinful to
love, is it not worse to inspire it?" The lady made no reply at this
gallant diversion.

The position was very awkward. I could not speak as I felt, or as I
ought to feel; the count would not, and Donna Aurelia was on the verge
of tears. Obviously I must retire.

"Madam," I said, "I intruded upon you by misfortune, and may not
trespass. I beg my service to the learned judge, my profoundest respect
to your ladyship. The young man who once showed himself unworthy to be
at your feet may now stand upon his own. Don Francis has offended Donna
Aurelia----"

"Oh, no, no, no!" said Aurelia in distress. "Oh, Checho, don't leave
me."

I came off my stilts, for I saw that she was unhappy.

"Can I serve you?" I asked her. "Can I be so honoured?"