The seneschal's appearance, as well as his words, indicated unusual excitement, for his scarlet robe was thrown open at the throat, his frosty locks were rumpled, his uplifted hands were shaking, and his lips were twitching uncannily.
"What's the matter? What's wrong?" demanded a dozen voices, but Tonin darted across to the old man's side with the announcement—
"Giuseppe carried it away this afternoon as a present to his cousin David."
"My-o! My-o! I am lost, I am done, I am dead!" ejaculated the seneschal, wringing his hands.
"What's the trouble, Vittori?" asked Pasino, laying a quieting hand upon the shoulder of his agitated friend.
"It is this," returned the seneschal hoarsely; "the duke ordered me to send to the table a fresh ornamental centrepiece with each course, making every one handsomer than the one used before it. I did so, and all has now been served but the dessert, and that will be due in about fifteen minutes. For this fancy piece I have filled a great tray with Parma violets on snow, thousands of them—and in the midst of the flowers I planned to set the aquarium of goldfish for a bit of color and life. My-o! My-o! What shall I do?" and once again the seneschal fell to moaning.
"Build a column of fruit in the centre of the tray," suggested Pasino.
"Impossible! I used a pyramid of apricots and nectarines for the second course."
"Wouldn't a lighted candle or lamp do?" inquired Pasino, earnestly endeavoring to find relief for the seneschal.