And much talk the ladies had with him, and greatly astonished they were at the variety and brilliance of his conversation. He seemed equally familiar with books and men. He had read everything—so at least thought the two girls, who were sufficiently well educated to recognize a full mind when they came [pg 232]across it—he had been everywhere, he had seen everybody. He never boasted of his intimacy with great people, and indeed very seldom mentioned a name, but his allusions showed that he was equally familiar with courts and camps. It would have puzzled more experienced persons than the sisters to guess who this man of the world, who was also a man of letters, could possibly be.
At the end of another week the physician removed his prohibition, and the Count, who had hitherto judged it better not to agitate his guest by his presence, now paid a visit to his room.
After a few kindly inquiries as to his health, the Count went on, “Understand me, sir, that I have no wish to force any confidence from you. My good fortune gave me the chance of serving you, but it has not given me the right of asking you questions which you might not care to answer. You are welcome to my hospitality as long as you choose to remain here, and you may command my help when you wish to go. But of course, if you care to give me your confidence, it may make the help a great deal more effective.”
“Yours is a true hospitality,” answered the stranger, with a smile, “but it is right that you should know who I am, and how I came to be here; and I have only been waiting for the good Strabo’s leave to tell you. But may your daughter and her sister be present? I have a sad story to relate, but there is [pg 233]nothing in it which is unfit for them to hear, and they have been good enough to show some interest in an unhappy man.”
“They shall come, if you wish it,” said the Count, “indeed they have been almost dying of curiosity.”
It was to this audience that the stranger told his story.
CHAPTER XXIII.
THE STRANGER’S STORY.
“I have found out that my name is known to these ladies, though they are not aware that it belongs to me. You, sir, have very probably not found time among your many cares to give any thought to the trifles which, if I may say so much of myself, have made me famous. I am Claudius Claudianus.”