On the forehead was
engraved, _Ruit Hora_; and on the occiput _Tibi_, _Hippolyta_. It opened
like a box, the hinging being almost imperceptible, and the ticking
inside lent an indescribable air of life to the diminutive skull. This
sepulchral jewel, the offering of some unknown artist to his mistress,
had doubtless marked many an hour of rapture, and served as a warning
symbol to their amorous souls.
Could a lover wish for anything more exquisite and more suggestive? 'Has
she any special reason for recommending this to me?' thought Andrea, all
his hopes reviving on the instant. He threw himself into the bidding
with a sort of fury. Two or three others bid against him, notably
Giannetto Rutolo, who, being in love with Donna Ippolita Albonico, was
attracted by the dedication: _Tibi, Hippolyta_.
Presently Rutolo and Sperelli were left alone in the contest. The
bidding rose higher than the actual value of the article, which forced a
smile from the auctioneer. At last, vanquished by his adversary's
determination, Giannetto Rutolo was silent.
'Going--going--!'
Donna Ippolita's lover, a little pale, cried one last sum. Sperelli
named a higher--there was a moment's silence. The auctioneer looked from
one to the other, then he raised his hammer and slowly, still looking at
the two--'Going--going--gone!'
The Death's-head fell to the Conte d'Ugenta.
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