"Yes," answered Eva.
"Come and sit down and tell mamma all about it. You are tired of poor Pierre—is that it? It is very natural, he has been here so often, and stayed so long. But I will tell him that he must go away—leave Sorrento. And he shall stay away as long as you like, Eva; just as long as you like."
"Then he will stay away forever," the girl answered, calmly.
Fanny waited a moment. "Did you like Gino better? Is that it?" she said, softly, watching Eva's face.
"No."
"Thornton Stanley?"
"Oh no!"
"Dear child, explain this a little to your mother. You know I think only of your happiness," said Fanny, with tender solicitude.
Eva evidently tried to obey. "It was this morning. It came over me suddenly that I could not possibly marry him. Now or a year from now. Never." She spoke tranquilly; she even seemed indifferent. But this one decision was made.
"You know that I have given my word to the old Count," began Fanny, in perplexity.