servant. The messenger obeyed without the least hesitation, but rather with alacrity, and, mounting the steps at a bound, entered the hotel; five seconds afterwards he was at the door of the
“Ah, it is you, Peppino,” said the count.
But Peppino, instead of answering, threw himself on his knees, seized the count’s hand, and covered it with kisses.
“Ah,” said the count, “you have, then, not forgotten that I saved your life; that is strange, for it is a week ago.”
“No, excellency; and never shall I forget it,” returned Peppino, with an accent of profound gratitude.
“Never? That is a long time; but it is something that you believe so. Rise and answer.”
Peppino glanced anxiously