"Ah, Signora!"
"And not being acquainted with you--"(What a shame!--_aside_)--I concluded to waive all formality"--(Social forms are generally a nuisance to ardent souls--_aside_)--"and to communicate at once with you."
"Signora, let me assure you that this is the happiest moment in my life."
The Signora looked surprised, but went on in a sort of preoccupied way:
"I want to know if you can tell me any thing about my brother."
"Brother!"
"Who is now in America."
Dick opened his eyes.
"I thought that perhaps you could tell me how he is. I have not heard from him for two years, and feel very anxious."
Dick sat for a moment surprised at this unexpected turn. The lady's anxiety about her brother he could see was not feigned. So he concealed his disappointment, and in his most engaging manner informed her that he had not seen her brother; but if she could tell him his name, and the place where he was living, he might be able to tell something about him.