In the anteroom while the servant was relieving her of her cloak, the
lady cast a rapid glance at the young man who entered.
The servant announced--'Her Excellency the Duchess of Scerni!' and
immediately afterwards--'Count Sperelli-Fieschi d'Ugenta!' It pleased
Andrea that his name should be coupled so closely with that of the lady
in question.
In the drawing-room were already assembled the Marchese and Marchesa
d'Ateleta, the Baron and Baroness d'Isola and Don Filippo del Monte. The
fire burned cheerily on the hearth, and several low seats were
invitingly disposed within range of its warmth, while large leaf plants
spread their red-veined foliage over the low backs.
The Marchesa, advanced to meet the two new arrivals with her delightful
ready laugh.
'Ah,' she said, 'a happy chance has forestalled me and made it
unnecessary for me to tell you one another's names. Cousin Sperelli,
make obeisance before the divine Elena.'
Andrea bowed profoundly. The Duchess held out her hand with a frank and
graceful gesture.
'I am very glad to know you, Count,' she said, looking him full in the
face. 'I heard so much about you last summer at Lucerne from one of your
friends--Giulio Musellaro. I must confess I was rather curious--Besides,
Musellaro lent me your exquisite "Story of the Hermaphrodite" and made
me a present of your etching "Sleep"--a proof copy--a real gem.
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