During one of these attacks I resolved to leave the Badiola, to depart for Rome, to go I knew not where.
I had a pretext ready. As we had not anticipated so long an absence, we had left the town house temporarily. It was urgent to regulate various affairs and take measures that our absence might be prolonged indefinitely.
I announced my departure. I persuaded my mother, brother, and Juliana that it was necessary; I promised to hurry and return in a few days. I made my preparations.
The evening before I left, late in the night, while I was strapping a valise, I heard a knock at my door. I said:
"Come in!"
I was surprised to see Juliana.
"Ah! Is it you?"
I went forward to meet her. She was panting a little, fatigued perhaps by the stairs. I made her sit down. I offered her a cup of cold tea with a thin slice of lemon, a beverage that used to please her and that had been prepared for me. She scarcely wet her lips, and handed it back. Her eyes revealed her anxiety.
Finally she said timidly:
"So you are going?"