"I see nothing, sir," said the pale young man, who still kept his eyes fixed upon the lady. "Three times," said the first speaker, "she has placed her hand upon her hair, as if she would point out to somebody a diamond pin which shines amid her jetty locks like a star in a stormy sky." "You think so?" "I am sure of it, it is a signal--and see, she has taken her pin from her hair, and is imploring. Ah! sir, what a pretty Venus hand. One kiss on her hand, and I would die content!" "To be sure," said the other mechanically, and without knowing what he said. "It is some intrigue," said the gossiper, "the women of our country go everywhere, to the church, to the court, and to the theatre. It would be odd if it were the judge's wife. They who always condemn others, sometimes must atone for it." "Speak lower, Signor, speak lower; you may compromise her." "True, true, but by St. Januarius, see what she is about now;" he spoke lower. "What!" said the young man. "She has placed her finger upon her pin, and looks this way, as if she was interrogating you." "You are mistaken; besides, how can you see under a veil which way she looks?" "There is no doubt about it, it is intended for us, and she wishes to speak either to you or to me." Looking towards the person of whom they spoke, for the purpose of giving more force to his asseveration, he was amazed to see her white hand holding the diamond pin to her lips. The scene we have been so long describing had taken place in a few seconds. Prompt as was the reply of the young man to the interrogatory of the woman, his companion had perceived it. The latter being a man of good taste, and perfectly expert in the telegraphs of love, was persuaded that he had interfered in some love affair, and hastened to say to the hero of the adventure, "Do not be afraid, sir, I have seen nothing. Well-bred people, such as you and I are, never speak of secrets we thus become acquainted with--and I am ready to maintain with my lip and with my sword, that you have not the slightest acquaintance with the lady there." "Thank you, sir," said the young man; "your conduct proves you to be a gentleman." Just then all the assemblage became full of eager expectation at the entrance of the High Court, preceded by the President. "The court is opened--produce the prisoner," said the Grand Judge. The agitation became stronger. Women stood up in their chairs, men climbed up on the banisters, and others, vexed at not being able to see, protested against the appropriation of seats by the legs and boots of those in front of them. The disorder was quickly put an end to by the imperious voice of the Grand Judge, who threatened to have the hall cleared if order were not at once restored, and the respect due to the court maintained. All became immediately quiet; the audience sat down, those in the rear ceased to complain, and many an eye was fixed on Count Monte-Leone.