"You're the finest woman in the world," declared O'Mally; "and whatever you have done has been right, I know."
Then Kitty ran up to La Signorina and embraced her; and the eyes of both of them swam in tears.
"You will be happy, at any rate, Kitty."
"Poor girl!" cried Kitty. Princesses were mortal like other people. "How I love you! Come back with us to America."
"I must live out the puzzle over here."
When Hillard and La Signorina were at length alone, he asked: "When shall I see you again?"
"Who knows? Some day, perhaps, when time has softened the sharp edges of this moment, the second bitterest I have ever known. To-morrow I shall write, or very soon. Now, give me your promise that you will no more seek me till I send for you."
"You will send for me?" with eagerness and hope.
"Why not?" proudly. "There is nothing wrong in our friendship, and I prize it. Promise."
"I promise. Good-by! If I remain any longer I shall be making mad, regrettable proposals. For a little while I have lived in paradise. Wherever I may be, at the world's end, you have but to call me; in a month, in a year, a decade, I shall come. Good-by!" Without looking at her again, he rushed away.