"If you care to view a minor performance of mine," said Angelo, "visit the cathedral at Rivoli. It contains a Madonna painted by me while on a visit last year. It has given great satisfaction to the people here, if I may be permitted to sing my own praises. They have even said I was inspired by the saint. Perhaps I was," he added with a curious smile. "I should like you to view it, Miss Leslie, before you leave Rivoli, for a reason that will at once become apparent when you see it."
"A reason? What reason? Tell me now," said Daphne, turning her eyes upon him with a look of wonder.
"Not now. The Madonna will speak for me."
"You are talking in riddles. I shall visit the cathedral this very day, and discover your meaning for myself."
"You do me too much honour. You will receive a surprise—a pleasant one, let me trust."
Daphne's curiosity was raised to the highest point and she cried:
"You hear, papa? We must visit the cathedral this very morning, and solve Mr. Vasari's enigma."
"Very well," replied her father, rising. "I think I have solved it already, and, as I begin to feel hungry qualms 'neath the fourth button of my waistcoat, suppose you run indoors and see what progress is being made with breakfast. Angelo, you will join us, of course?"
Of course he would!