"I have committed a great indiscretion, Madonna, I took up this beautiful portrait to look at it, when suddenly, I know not how, it came open as you see."
"Oh! that is the picture of my husband's mother," said Eloise carelessly; "I found it here two or three days ago. I cannot tell how it came here, for he carries it usually in his bosom. But what is that little box behind? I was puzzling over these powders and the inscription only yesterday, but could make nothing of them."
"Let me see," said Mardocchi, carrying the case to the window, as if for a better light.
He remained for a moment or two with his back to the lady, apparently examining the powders, and then brought the case back, saying:
"They are apparently love powders."
"Then I will take one of them," said Eloise, laughing; "I am sure I need them."
"For Heaven's sake, forbear, Madonna," said Mardocchi; "I don't, know what they are--I only guess. God help us! they may contain poison, in this wicked age."
"Well, well, I will put the case back in his dressing-room," said Eloise; but the friar stayed her, saying, "Better leave them where he left them, my daughter. I have but a few moments to stay, and I wish to inquire after your health.
"Oh! my health in excellent, good father," replied the lady, lightly, "thanks to your skill; I believe it never was better."
"Permit me to feel your pulse, Madonna," said Mardocchi. "Let me see. This is the ninth day of the moon; and, from the eighth to the fourteenth, some mild and calming remedies are useful. Your pulse is somewhat agitated."