"Oh, by all means," said Helen; "but I am a poor storyteller. Pray do not ask me for one, but if you know of a story, why of course I am all attention."
"Let me see, then," said McGuilp. "What sort of story would you like to hear?"
"Oh, tell me something about Italy. I should like to hear so," answered Helen.
"Would you? Then I think I can remember a little circumstance that occurred in Italy within my experience, which I will relate to you if you will resume your seat, for I have but little time to lose. We can work and talk at the same time. Your colour has now returned, and my story may possibly help to preserve it until the end of the sitting."
Helen then resumed her seat, and McGuilp having seized once more his palette and brushes and placed himself in front of his easel, continued his portrait whilst he related the following story.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] Scharfrichter or executioner; literally, "the sharp judge."
[2] The reader is begged to excuse the anachronism. Byron did not write these lines until several years later.
[3] Another name for headsman or hangman.
[4] Philister or Philistine.