This man reveled in the luxuries of a palace; but he had risen from the gutter; and his low and groveling soul still wore the degradation of the foul haunts in which he had been reared. He lounged in his easy chair, sipping wine, which sparkled like melted jewels in the light of the shaded lamp.
He was disturbed from his reverie by the entrance of the slave who waited upon him.
"A lady, massa," said the man.
"A lady? a lady at this time of night? pshaw; why you must be dreaming."
"No, massa, me wide awake. A lady, a very beautiful lady, with white hands and rings, oh, golly! dey shine like stars."
"Did she tell you her name?"
"No, massa, but she gib me dis."
The negro handed Silas a card.
This card bore the name of Mlle. Pauline Corsi.
Beneath the card was written this warning: