Gloria was pleased, and they all walked on together till they reached the door of Dalrymple's lodging.
"Come in and have supper with us," said the Scotchman, who seemed to be less gloomy than usual. "I suppose you live in our neighbourhood?"
"No. In the Palazzetto Borgia, where I work."
"This is not exactly on your way home, then," observed Gloria. "You may as well rest and refresh yourself."
Reanda accepted the invitation, wondering inwardly at the assurance of the foreign girl. With her Italian speech she should have had Italian manners, he thought. The three men all carried tapers, as was then customary, and they all lit them before they ascended the dark staircase.
"This is an illumination," said Dalrymple, looking back as he led the way.
Gloria stopped suddenly, and looked round. She was following her father, and Reanda came after her, Griggs being the last.
"One, two, three," she counted, and her eyes met Reanda's.
Without the slightest hesitation, she blew out the taper he held in his hand. But, for one instant, he had seen in her face the expression of the dead nun, distinct in the clear light, and close to his eyes.
"Why did you do that?" asked Dalrymple, who had turned his head again, as the taper was extinguished.