"I will listen to your explanations of the sights with interest."
"It is a reversal of the situation, is it not? When we last met, it was you who guided me, and I humbly followed your instructions. I did precisely as you told me."
"Had I doubted that you would do as I asked, I would not have spoken," answered Corona.
"There was one thing you advised me to do which I have not even attempted."
"What was that?"
"You told me to forget you. I have spent six months in constantly remembering you, and in looking forward to this moment. Was I wrong?"
"Of course," replied the Duchessa, with a little laugh. "You should by this time have forgotten my existence. They said you were gone to the North Pole—why did you change your mind?"
"I followed my load-star. It led me from Rome to Saracinesca by the way of Paris. I should have remained at Saracinesca—but you also changed your mind. I began to think you never would."
"How long do you think of staying up there?" asked Corona, to turn the conversation.
"Just so long as you stay at Astrardente," he answered. "You will not forbid me to follow you to Rome?"