-THE STORY OF A PICTURE.

 the happiest evening that Pietro had spent for a long,
 long time. He felt that he had at last found another,
 who, though much younger than he was, seemed to
 have some real love for Nature and Art, and could
 enjoy them with him. Then, in return for her cheering
 company, he could afford her what she considered a
 really great pleasure, and all the while he felt sure that
 his little confidant would not betray him.
 And Maria, although full of the life and merriment
 of a child, kept her promise faithfully. She guarded
 her secret in the wisest way-by letting no one know
 that she had one to keep.



 CHAPTER III.

 EVENING has again come, and again Pietro waits for
 the little beauty who so merrily beguiles the hours of
 his chosen study; and before long the light step is
 on the fallen leaves, and she is at his side.
 "C Now, Maria, it is early, and we shall have a long
 evening."
 "A very long one, Pietro. But look here, I
brought this to show it to you. Is it not beautiful?
Papa says that it is all real gold."
 As she spoke, she placed in his hand Signor Sel-
vico's gift---a small gold cross, with one diamond
sparkling in its centre.
 "Is it not exquisite ?" she continued; "papa hung
it round my neck, when I kissed him this morn-
ing. He told me that a friend gave it to him for me,
and I am to ask no questions. But he was at the
castle yesterday, and I think he must have got ib
there,'