"I trust," I said, "that there may be no difficulties placed in the way of my immediate departure."
She came up to me in some agitation.
"But, signorina!"
"Marchesa," I answered, "you have my promise. Is not that what you wanted?"
I intended a dismissal, I frankly own it, but the Marchesa took my rudeness with such humility that for the moment I felt ashamed of myself.
"You have forced me, Miss Meredith, to speak to you as I have never spoken before to a stranger beneath my roof. To fly in the face of the hospitable traditions of the house——"
There came a knock at the door, and the servant announced that the Marchesino desired to speak with Miss Meredith.
We two women, who both loved Andrea, looked at one another.
"You will have to tell him yourself, signorina; from no one else would my son receive your message." The Marchesa turned away as she spoke.
"I will write to him."