"I fired at him," continued the Count, " and thank God, I missed him.
"Then Silvio—at that moment he was positively hideous — stood back and took aim. Just then, the door opened. My wife came in and seeing us facing each other, threw herself in my arms. Her presence gave me back my courage.
"'My dear,' I said, 'do you not see that we are only jesting? How frightened you are! Go now, get a glass of water and come back to us. I will then introduce my old friend and comrade to you.'
"But my wife knew better than to believe my words.
"'Tell me, is what my husband says true?' she asked of the terrible Silvio. 'Is it true that this is only a jest?'
"'He is always jesting. Madam,' replied Silvio. 'Once upon a time he gave me a slap, in jest; again, in jest, he pierced my cap with a bullet and a few minutes ago, still jesting, he just missed me. Now it is my turn to laugh a little.'
"Saying which, he took aim once more, with my wife looking on. She fell on her knees at his feet.
"'Get up, Macha!' I cried enraged. 'Are you not ashamed of yourself! And you, sir, do
