It was, of course, an extremely undignified attitude for the Swiss Guards, whose position is simply an ornamental one. Nothing but the most unparalleled outrage to their dignity could have moved them to this. So unusual a display of energy, however, did not last long. A few persons in citizens' clothes darted forward from among the crowd, and secured the stranger; while the Swiss, seeing who they were, resumed their erect, rigid, and ornamental attitude. The Pope found no longer any obstacle, and resumed his descent. For a moment the stranger had created a wide-spread consternation in the breasts of all the different and very numerous classes of men who composed that crowd. The arrest was the signal for a murmur of voices, among which the ladies heard those of the knot of Englishmen who stood near. "It's some Garibaldian," said they. And this was the general sentiment. Several hours after this they were at home, and a caller was announced. It was the Baron Atramonte. "Atramonte!" said Lady Dalrymple. "Who is that? We're not at home, of course. Atramonte! Some of these Italian nobles. Really, I think we have seen enough of them. Who is he, Kitty?" "I'm sure I haven't the faintest idea. I never heard of him in my life." "We're not at home, of course. It's a singular way, and surely can not be Roman fashion. It's not civilized fashion. But the Continental nobility are _so_ odd." In a few minutes the servant, who had been dispatched to say, "Not at home," returned with the statement that the Baron wished particularly to see Miss Fay on urgent business. [Illustration: "TWO OF THEM GRASPED THE STRANGER BY HIS COAT COLLAR."] At this extraordinary message Lady Dalrymple and Mrs. Willoughby looked first at one another, and then at Minnie, in amazement. "I'm sure _I_ don't know any thing about him," said Minnie. "They _always_ tease me so. Oh, do go and see who he is, and send him away--please! Oh, do, please, Dowdy dear!" "Well, I suppose I had better see the person," said Lady Dalrymple, good-naturedly. "There must be some mistake. How is he dressed?" she asked the servant. "Is he a military gentleman? Most of them seem to belong to the army." "Yes, my lady. Zouave dress, my lady." At this Mrs. Willoughby and Minnie looked at one another. Lady Dalrymple went away; and as no other was present, Ethel being, as usual, in her room, Mrs. Willoughby sighed and said, "I thought that man must know you." "Well, I'm sure I don't know him," said Minnie. "I never knew a Zouave officer in my life." "It may be Captain Kirby, under an assumed name and a disguise." "Oh no, it isn't. I don't believe he would be such a perfect--monster. Oh dear! It's somebody, though. It must be. And he wants me. Oh, what _shall_ I do?" "Nonsense! You need not go. Aunty will see him, and send him off." "Oh, I do so hope he'll go; but I'm afraid he won't." After a short time Lady Dalrymple returned.