present on this occasion, and here his acquaintance with Eugenio Noele commenced.  The young man having discovered to him that his pecuniary resources were at the lowest ebb, my father took him home with him, and my mother afterward united with him in requesting Eugenio to consider their house as his own.  My father also introduced him to his mercantile connections and initiated him into mercantile affairs, when by his astuteness and perseverance he was enabled to lay the foundations of an excellent position.  Indeed, but few years had elapsed (during which time he had frequently resided with us) ere he had acquired considerable wealth and we a clearer insight into his true disposition.

His principles were such as the promptings of self-love, a violent temper, pride and ambition could without difficulty overcome.  As he rose higher in the social scale the reflection that he had owed the impetus to others was a constant source of annoyance to him.  Our house was now but rarely visited by him, unless when some legal difficulties had arisen on which he wished to consult my father or some important papers required translating.  Then the air of pride would yield to one of deferential affection, and in silvery tones he would discourse on such topics as he imagined were the most pleasing to us.  My father would be termed “Signor Padre” and my mother “Signora Madre.”

At about this time he sent to Italy for his brother Rugiero to assist him in his affairs.  Rugiero became as intimate at our house as Eugenio had been.  There were singularly contradictory elements in this brother’s character.  At one time the history of a destitute family would move him to tears, and his purse would be freely emptied for their benefit:  at another time he would spend half an hour in searching for a lost farthing, and if not successful his countenance would betray lines of anxiety for hours afterward.  If he made me the gift of a paper horn or box of sweets, his heart for the rest of the day would seem to be expanded with the most joyous emotions, and for weeks after I was liable to be asked whether I remembered the day when I was so pleased with his little gift; and then he would request permission to examine the pictures painted thereon, and call my attention to their merits.  He was ordinarily slow to understand the point of a witticism, but when he had by deep pondering discovered it, nothing could exceed his enjoyment:  bending his head and clasping the bridge of his handsomely shaped nose, he would laugh till the tears were ready to start.  On the other hand, he was extremely sensitive, jealous and suspicious.  No one knew how soon the pleasant smile and kindly word would give place to angry passions as ungovernable as they were disagreeable to witness.  A smile passing from one person to another without his being acquainted with the cause, was sufficient provocation for him to rise, make his respects in a frigidly polite tone and take his leave, to return a few moments after with