He went over to his father and gave him his arm. All this time Annunziata was weeping like the walrus in "Alice," her loud sobs echoing dismally throughout the house.
"Elsie," said Andrea, as he prepared to descend with the Marchese, "go straight to your room."
I turned without a word, and stunned, astonished, unutterably miserable, fled upstairs without a glance at the hostile group on the landing.
Once the door safely shut behind me, my pent up feelings found vent, and I sobbed hysterically.
Was ever such a morning in a woman's life? And I had had no breakfast.
I was not allowed much time in which to indulge my emotions. Very soon came a knock at the door, and a maid entered with wine, bread, and chestnuts. With the volubility of Italian servants, she pressed me to eat and drink, and when she departed with the empty tray I felt refreshed, and ready to fight my battle to the last. A second knock at the door was not long in following the first, and this time it was the Marchesa who responded to my "Come in."
My heart sank considerably as the stately little lady advanced towards me, and I inwardly reproached Andrea for his desertion.