The Clock and the Key

built out from the wall

y contemptuously. "Nothing could be more useless

into the

ul, even to the recesses of the hidden and mysterious chamber

d the duke impatiently. "The ladies have not yet chosen their souveni

, and looked

am sure Mr. St. Hilary will not make his offer

cided on the sum. 41Let me recommend to your notice this faience pitcher

St. Hilary's pitcher, "there is nothing that appeals to me more than th

rs. And now what w

ock in the hidden room again? I happe

bout this superb specimen in Si

ing that has a touch of mystery about it. And that old clock, shut up in

ed old Luigi deprecatingly. "It ha

t us see the clock by all means." The reluctance of both S

give it away? It is an heirloom of the fa

o bring it out," c

he old man entered

e cried from within.

carried it to the sala and placed it on the center-table. The

e–at least I had never

ittle platform, heavily gilded. Immediately above this platform were twelve doors, three at either end, and six at the face. It

ey not, Mr. St. Hilary? One can imagine the stiff little figures that appear, 43each at its hour, and at their respective doors–kings with their crowns o

ls clang angrily. You might think it was offended at bei

most dull. Think what stories of love and intrigue it has listened to! What deeds of revenge and hate it has looked down upon

ly around. Suddenly she sank on her knees

uardi c

olti con

tu Sei cosi acorto com

dera la

nslate it for

, if you are as clever in understanding 44me as I am in tel

don delightedly. "Now what do you think

bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy and wealthy and wise.' 'Tim

k. Perhaps Luigi can read the riddle more cleverly. Do y

man he

eak up," said t

lore you not to sell or give away the clock. You will alway

ged Mrs. Gordon. "H

an only read the secret of each hour. For at every hour something 45wonderful is told. And the clock is a charm against the Evil One. My father told me, and his father told him

e, shall I have the clock

t the evil eye, aunt," said Jacqueline lightly, ha

I who am deprived of the charm, if there

ested Mrs. Gordon. Then very slowly, "But I intend to

that," said the duke gravel

still kneeling

hat you really mean, foolish

table and stoo

ire patience and perseverance enough to satisfy 46e

that I was half in ea

slowly, "I bel

legends of Venice, shall I take up

lessly. "Aunt would

earnest when she suggested that I should write a book on the legends of Venice. But no

my launch to come up?" asked the duke. "I wis

ere with my pocket-book. I know, Mrs. Gordon, you would never forgive me if I did not say that my sneers at the value of the clock were the pretense 47of the dealer who depreciates a th

d pause. The duke r

don, greatly embarrassed, "I

clock is not for sale to you at any price.

ed at her niece

ult to carry it about with you i

hould," declared Mrs.

packed and sent to America for you," volunteered St. Hilary. He s

eline. "A moment ago, aunt, he suggested that he might be able to discover one about this 48ver

t that neither the duke nor St. Hilary welcomed Jacqueline's

da Sestos and myself were to