"Very well. To be called a coward by a man like that is nothing. I shall not fight him."
"Thank you." And she gave him her hand impulsively.
"I love you," he murmured as he bent to kiss the hand; "and it is not dishonorable for you to hear me say so."
"I forbid you to say that!" But the longing of the world was in her eyes as she looked down at his head. She released her hand. "My friends, to-morrow our little play comes to an end. This is no longer Eden. We must go."
"This is what comes of American girls marrying these blamed foreigners," growled the tender-hearted O'Mally. "Why did you do it?"
"I am almost Italian, Mr. O'Mally. I had no choice in the matter; the affair was prearranged by our parents, after the continental fashion."
"I'm sorry I spoke like that," O'Mally said contritely.
"No apologies, if you please. It is only just that you should know something of the case, considering the manner in which I imposed upon you all."
"I'll punch Worth's head when I run across him." O'Mally clenched his fists.
"That would change nothing. He was a part of destiny; he has served his little turn and has gone. Were we not a happy family together for weeks?" La Signorina smiled wanly. "To-morrow I am going to write Mr. Hillard; I am going to tell him the story. From your point of view you may write me down a silly fool, but one's angle of vision is not immutable."