He drew it nearer; it was a showy landscape with the light of the sunset upon it. It was badly done, but I praised it warmly, and purchased it for five hundred francs. Four other sketches of a similar nature were then produced. I bought these also. By the time we got through these matters, Ferrari was in the best of humors. He offered me some excellent wine and partook of it himself; he talked incessantly, and diverted me extremely, though my inward amusement was not caused by the witty brilliancy of his conversation. No, I was only excited to a sense of savage humor by the novelty of the position in which we two men stood. Therefore I listened to him attentively, applauded his anecdotes--all of which I had heard before--admired his jokes, and fooled his egotistical soul till he had no shred of self-respect remaining. He laid his nature bare before me--and I knew what it was at last--a mixture of selfishness, avarice, sensuality, and heartlessness, tempered now and then by a flash of good-nature and sympathetic attraction which were the mere outcomes of youth and physical health--no more. This was the man I had loved--this fellow who told coarse stories only worthy of a common pot-house, and who reveled in a wit of a high and questionable flavor; this conceited, empty-headed, muscular piece of humanity was the same being for whom I had cherished so chivalrous and loyal a tenderness! Our conversation was broken in upon at last by the sound of approaching wheels. A carriage was heard ascending the road--it came nearer--it stopped at the door. I set down the glass of wine I had just raised to my lips, and looked at Ferrari steadily.
"You expect other visitors?" I inquired.
He seemed embarrassed, smiled, and hesitated.
"Well--I am not sure--but--" The bell rang. With a word of apology Ferrari hurried away to answer it. I sprung from my chair--I knew--I felt who was coming. I steadied my nerves by a strong effort. I controlled the rapid beating of my heart; and fixing my dark glasses more closely over my eyes, I drew myself up erect and waited calmly. I heard Ferrari ascending the stairs--a light step accompanied his heavier footfall--he spoke to his companion in whispers. Another instant--and he flung the door of the studio wide open with the haste and reverence due for the entrance of a queen. There was a soft rustle of silk--a delicate breath of perfume on the air--and then--I stood face to face with my wife!