"I taught her how to do it," cried Annunziata, breaking into a smile. "See, it is not so easy to draw the fine gold thread through the leather, but she is an apt pupil."
"Miss Meredith, I am sorry to see you looking so pale." Andrea dropped his voice very low, adhering obstinately to English and fixing his eyes on mine.
"I haven't been out to-day."
"What, wasting this glorious weather indoors. Is it possible that you are falling into the worst of our Italian ways?"
"I generally go for a walk."
I rose as I spoke, and turned to the Marchesina. "I am so tired; do you think I may be excused?"
"Certainly, dear child."
Bowing to the assembled company I made my way deliberately to the door. Andrea was there before me, holding it open, a look of unusual sternness on his face.
"Good-night, Miss Meredith," and then before them all he held out his hand.
Only for a moment did our fingers join in a firm eager clasp, only for a moment did his eyes meet mine in a strange, mysterious glance. Only for a moment, but as I fled softly, rapidly along the corridor I felt that in that one instant of time all my life's meaning had been changed. "As good as gold; as good as gold." These words went round and round in my head as I lay sobbing on the pillow.