"It was an optical illusion then! That is settled! And now!" exclaimed Salome. Then she paused.
"Yes, and now! About the sinful dream! What did you dream of? Throwing me over at the last moment and marrying a handsomer man?" gayly inquired the young marquis.
"I will tell you presently what I dreamed; but first tell me, were you in our grounds last night?" she gravely inquired.
"Yes, my little lady; but how did you know of it?" inquired the young marquis in surprise.
"I did not know it. Were you under my window?" she asked, in a low, tremulous tone.
"Yes, love. How came you to suspect me?" he inquired, more than ever astonished.
"I did not suspect you. Had you a companion with you?" she murmured.
"No, Salome. Certainly not. Why, sweet, do you ask me?"
"I thought I heard your voice speaking to some one who answered you under my window."
"But, love, there was no one with me. I was quite alone. And I did not speak at all—not even to myself. I am not in the habit of soliloquizing."