“‘Then I wish to inquire when you last heard from Luigi Saviola.’

“I hated to answer that question—to confess the many days that had elapsed since I had seen or heard from my husband. Yet I answered:

“‘I have not heard from him since he left here for Paris, six weeks ago.’

“‘Ah!’ he said, very gravely.

“‘But I expect to see him soon,’ I added.

“‘Indeed!’ he exclaimed, in surprise.

“‘Yes, indeed. Of course. Why not?’ I demanded, in astonishment.

“He was silent.

“‘Why not?’ I again demanded, uneasily.

“He looked grave.