Tombstone epitaph., 1915-06-27

Nothing except what he has told me. that is 10 say. that he formerly held a commission under the holy father.
 True. l remember the name. But the count is entirely mistaken He is perfectly at liberty to come here when ever he pleases.
 T thanked the good father for his permission. which I did not fail to time l was in his house.
 He appeared somewhat surprised at 1t.
 Thank you for your kind inten- tions. he said stiffiy, but all the same l do not propose to avail myself of Monsignor Perratti's permission At least l will think it over
 There was nothing more to be done. and l did not refer to the sub ject again. Monsignor Perratt was good enough to ask me. when he found ms in the museum a few days after, wky my friend had not come with me, but put him of with an excuse.
 Some weeks had passed. and had forgotten all about the incident. when, as l entered the museum one after noon. was met by the worthy Jesuit in a state of great excitement
 An, Excellency,' he exclaimed. as soon as he caughl sight of me. I have something to tell you which will give you the greatest delight A new treas ure has just arrived; it is a collection of ancient seals, some of them most exquisitely engraved. which Cardinal Salvatierra has presented 10 the pope You must positively come and see them at once
 Charmed by his intelligence. l hastened to place myself at his dis posal. He led me a long way into a part Of the building where had never before penetrated. After going through innumerable rooms. all filed with val uable curiosities Of different kinds, we arrived at last in long deserted gal. lery with bare walls. to which light was admitted by means of a skylight overhead. The obscurity of the gallery was further relieved by the entire end wall being made a mirror. which re- fiected back the light from the roof. All down this gallery were ranged tables. supporting the cases with glass lids usually seen in museums, and in these cases were displayed sets of coins and other interesting objects.
 But my conductor would not let me pause to examine them. At the far end of the gallery-whose apparent length was increased by the mirror l have descritad-I perceived a man standing in front of one of the cases, the contents of which he appeared to be setting in order.
 Tt is the cardinal himself,' ex- claimed Monsignor Perratu. We are seals
 His Eminence, with whom I was already acquainted, turned around 10 greet me as l came up. and kindly offered to show me his famous col lection. But how can I describe these things to you? They were indeed price less. One in particular, an onyx en- graved with the head of vespasian, was one of those objects for the sake of which one commits murders,
 'T thought I should never have torn myself away from the gallery. But the cardinal, who was all goodness, prom ised to meet me there again, and to renew his lecture on these fascinating gems. At the same time Monsignor Perratti remarked:
 You ought really to bring that poor count of yours to inspect these seals. Without doubt they would in- terest him as much as they do you
 "'The Count: who is that?' inquired turning to me I explained the allusion. His Eminence at once became interested.
 "I remember Count Vescaro very well indeed he said in a tone of marked cordiality. He Is indeed a man to whom these gems ought to be shown. There is no more accomplished judge of such things in Rome. ! should like you to assure him that such is my opinion. and that I shall feel it a particular favor if he will honor my little collection with visit
 "1 will give him your kind mes sage. Cardinal I replied. Without doub, it will remove his last scruples' !
 "'yery good: I shall expect to see him here within the next few days.
 T bowed and took my leave, feeling, perhaps. a little chagrin at the im- portance which appeared to be at- | tached to vescaro's opinion
 However. I found myself at his house that night. and just before came away I finally repeated the fiat | isring messages sith which had been l charged by Cardinal Salvatierra- Ves- | rsro listened with a certain preoccu- | patton.
 'SsisstierraT he murmured, | That Is not a name shieb I femefsber.
 The cardinal did sot say that you were tassa Co him personally. but merely that he had heard of your explained.
 Yes, bat that vas not what I was ILissias sf You have not told me what iLs seals were like
 T sss that he was hesitating. and 4 once commenced an eloquent de