"Tell me what is the matter," cried the girl, running over to him. "Are you ill?"
"Ah!" said Norman. "I wish I could tell you what is the matter. There is more the matter than you know of, dear, and my heart is as heavy as lead."
"Why, what ever has happened?" said the girl, and her face grew longer still.
"Forgive me, Peronella. I should not have spoken."
"You say your heart is heavy as lead. Tell me what is troubling you!"
"Oh! a little secret trouble, that is all."
"What trouble can be secret between you and me?"
"Do not speak of it again, dear. Forget it. I am sorry I hinted that anything was wrong."
"You are not deceiving me, Normano? You do not love an English girl?"
"No, it is not that."