Lily’s heart beat with pity and concern. It was quite clear that Cristina, while fond of the Count in a way, and obviously adoring Beppo, hated her mistress.
“Of course I shall say nothing to Aunt Cosy—I shouldn’t think of doing such a thing!”
They walked on in silence.
And then, suddenly, Cristina began to talk in quite a cheerful voice of the food she was going to buy for that night’s supper. It was clear that her mind had gone off to Beppo, and to his coming stay at La Solitude.
Suddenly she asked: “Why has Mademoiselle got on a black dress and a black hat? To-day is a joyful day in Mademoiselle’s life!”
Lily was puzzled by these words. Cristina couldn’t possibly know that to-day, the first day of her secret engagement to Angus Stuart, was indeed marked with a white stone.
She blushed and laughed. “I am happy, though I have had some sad news, Cristina, news that ought to make me sad. An old cousin of mine, who was very kind to me, is dead. The news was in the telegram which came for me yesterday.”
“Ah!” said Cristina, drawing a long breath. “Mademoiselle has relieved my mind. The Countess took the telegram from the man, and I was afraid perhaps that Beppo was in some trouble!”
They were now close to the entrance of the town, and the old woman put out her small, thin hand and touched the girl lightly on the arm.
“You have been the good angel of La Solitude!” she exclaimed. “And now it is owing to you, to your being with us, that Beppo comes to pour fresh life into three withered hearts.”