“You and I, father,” said the young man, “would like a little of that beatitude in this world too.” Frank had now heard more than he had desired to hear; and, unhooking his sabre, he suffered it to clink at his heels as he boldly advanced towards the windows. “Who have we there?” cried the tall man, advancing to the terrace, and challenging the stranger. Frank replied, in French, that he was an Austrian officer, whose party had been waylaid near Varenna, and who had made his escape with a wounded comrade and a few others. “So the shots we heard came from that quarter?” whispered the youth to the lady. She signed to him to be cautious, and the tall man resumed,---- “This is a private villa, sir; and as yet, at least, neither an Austrian barrack nor an hospital.” “When I tell you, sir,” said Frank, with difficulty restraining his passion, “that my comrade is dying, it may, perhaps, excite other feelings than those of national animosity.” “You are a Hungarian?” asked the youth. “What of that?” broke in the padre. “Tutti barbari! tutti barbari!” Meanwhile the tall man leaned over where the lady sat, and conversed eagerly with her. “You have to think how it will look, and how it will tell abroad,” said he, in English. “How shall we persuade the people that we are in their cause if you make this villa an Austrian refuge?” She whispered something low in reply, and he rejoined impatiently,---- “These are small considerations; and if we are to be always thinking of humanity, let us give up the game at once.” “You 'll not refuse my comrade the consolations of his Church, at least?” said Frank. “I see a reverend father here--” “And you 'll never see him follow you one step out of this chamber,” broke in the priest “Ego autem tanquam Burdus, non audiebam,” muttered he, with a wave of his hand. “But if he be a good Catholic,” interposed the youth, half slyly. “Let them be confounded who seek to do me evil!” said the priest, with a solemnity that said how deeply he felt for his own safety. “This discussion is lasting too long,” said Frank, impatiently. “I cannot coerce your humanity, but I can demand as a right that a soldier of your Emperor shall receive shelter and succor.” “I told you so,” said the tall man, still addressing the lady in English; “first the entreaty,----then the menace.” “And what are we to do?” asked she, anxiously. “Let them occupy the boat-house; there are beds in the lofts. Jekyl will see that they have whatever is necessary; and perhaps by to-morrow we shall get rid of them.” Turning towards the youth, he spoke to him for a few minutes rapidly, and the other replied, “You are right I 'll look to it.” He arose as he spoke, and bowing politely to Frank, pronounced himself ready to accompany him. With a few words of apology for his intrusion, as awkwardly uttered as they were ungraciously received, Frank retired from the chamber, to retrace his steps to the harbor.