“Jealous?... When shall I see you again?”

“Really, believe me, it’s better not.... Good-bye, prince. And thank you ... for the violets.”

He bent over her hand. She went into the osteria and saw that Duco had witnessed their leave-taking through the window.

CHAPTER XXIV

Duco was silent and nervous at table. He played with his bread; and his fingers trembled. She felt that he had something on his mind:

“What is it?” she asked, kindly.

“Cornélie,” he said, excitedly, “I want to speak to you.”

“What about?”

“You’re not behaving properly.”

“In what respect?”