"I do not wonder," he said, with a most touching yet dignified humility, "I do not wonder at your reply. My wife, it is your part to speak to this lady."
With set lips yet unblanching front, the gallant little Marchesa advanced.
"Miss Meredith, do not in this matter consider yourself bound by any promise you have made to me. I release you from it."
"May not the matter be considered ended?" I cried in very weariness; "that I have come between your son and his family no one regrets more than I. Only let me go away!"
The old man rose slowly, left the room, and went to the foot of the stairs.
"Andrea, Andrea," I heard him call.
"His excellency has not finished packing," answered the voice of Pasquale.
"Andrea, Andrea," cried his father again; then came rapid footsteps, and in a few seconds Andrea stood once more before me.
He turned from one to the other questioningly.
The Marchese took my hand.