The next was a mysterious orange-tree, on which flowers and fruit burst into life at the request of the ladies. As the finale, a handkerchief I borrowed was conveyed into an orange purposely left on the tree. This opened and displayed the handkerchief, which two butterflies took by the corners and unfolded before the spectators. Lastly, I made a dial of transparent glass, which marked the hours at the will of the spectators, and struck the time on a crystal bell. At the time I was most deeply engaged in these labors, I made a very agreeable rencontre. While walking along the Boulevards, full of thought, according to my usual habit, I heard some one calling me. On turning round, an elegantly-dressed man pressed my hand. “Antonio!” I exclaimed, as I embraced him, “how glad I am to see you! But why are you here--what are you doing--and Torrini?” Antonio interrupted me. “I will tell you all about it. Come to my apartments, where we shall be more at ease. I only live a few doors off.” In fact, within two minutes we stopped in the Rue de Lancry, before a very handsome house. “Go up,” Antonio said: “I live on the second floor.” A servant opened the door. “Is your mistress at home?” Antonio asked. “No, sir; but I was to tell you she would be in soon.” After leading me into a pretty drawing-room, Antonio made me sit down by his side on a sofa. “Now, my friend, let us talk, for we must have a great deal to tell each other.” “Yes, let us talk; for I confess that my curiosity is strongly excited. I fancy, at times, I am dreaming.” “I will bring you back to real life,” Antonio continued, “by telling you what has happened to me since we parted. Let us begin with poor Torrini.” I made a movement of pained surprise. “What do you say, Antonio? Can our friend----?” “Yes, it is only too true. Death struck him at the moment we had every reason to hope a happier fate. On leaving you, Torrini intended to return as quickly as possible to Italy. The Count de Grisy was anxious to reassume his name and revisit the scenes of past successes, for he hoped there to become again the brilliant magician of yore. God decided otherwise. Just as we were about leaving Lyons, where we had been giving some successful performances, he was suddenly seized with typhus fever, which carried him off in a few days. “I was his residuary legatee, and after paying the last honors to a man to whom I had pledged my life, I began realizing my small fortune. I sold the horses and travelling-carriage, and kept the apparatus, as I intended to use it. I had no profession, so I thought I could not do better than to take up one, for which the road was clear before me, and I hoped that my name, to which my brother-in-law had given a certain celebrity in France, would assist me. It was very bold in me to try and fill the place of such a master, but I thought my impudence would answer as well as talent.