Page:Tales of the Dead.djvu/170

 “A violent trembling seized Filippo, when she looked at him steadfastly.

The wine is red!’ cried he, holding up the glass; ‘I thought there had been no red champaigne.’

Red! said the father of Camilla, with an air of extreme surprise, approaching him from curiosity.

Look at the lady’s glass,’ replied Filippo.

The wine in it is as white as all the rest,’ answered Camilla’s father; and he called all present to witness it. They every one unanimously declared that the wine was white.

“Filippo drank it not, but quitted his seat; for a second look from his neighbour had caused him extreme agitation. He took the father of Camilla aside, and whispered something to him. The latter returned to the company, saying,

Ladies and gentlemen, I entreat you, for reasons which I will tell you presently, instantly to unmask.’

“As in this request he but expressed in a degree the general wish, every one’s mask was off as quick as thought, and each face uncovered, excepting that of the silent lady, on whom every look was fixed, and whose face they were the most anxious to see.