XLIX
The next two days passed very unhappily for Sophy. She ached with the ice of her flesh and the wild flame of her spirit. Some part of her being was knitted so closely with Amaldi's, that this tearing asunder of their lives caused her anguish.
On the morning of the third day, however, something happened that gave things a sharp wrench in a new direction. Sophy had always been very indifferent about reading newspapers. So the morning papers were always laid at Susan's plate. They chanced to be breakfasting alone, and as Sue was glancing over the Times, she flushed suddenly and an exclamation broke from her.
"What is it?" asked Sophy, deathly afraid, she knew not of what.
It had to be told. Susan bungled it so, that Sophy caught the paper from her and read for herself. This was the item:
"A very shocking accident occurred last night in front of White's. The Marquis Amaldi, a distinguished Italian nobleman, well known here in both social and musical circles, was struck by a motor car as he was crossing the street. He was unconscious when he was taken to his lodgings, which, fortunately, are near by in Clarges Street. The friend who was with him would not allow him to be removed to an hospital. Later reports say that the Marquis has recovered consciousness but that his injuries are serious."
Sophy laid down the paper without a word, and her face terrified Susan.
"My dear ... don't go thinking the worst," she stammered. "You know how newspapers exaggerate!"
"Not in England...." said Sophy dully.