"How very unfortunate and tiresome!" said Sylvie, with a charming pout and upward look at her lover, who promptly kissed the lips that made such a pretty curve of disdain—"I suppose he wants to give me a serious lecture on the responsibilities of marriage! Shall I receive him, Aubrey? I remember when I met him last that he had something important to say about Cardinal Bonpre."
"Then you must certainly give him an audience," answered Aubrey—"You may perhaps find out what has happened to bring the good Cardinal into disfavour at the Vatican, for there is no doubt that he is extremely worried and anxious. He is strongly desirous of leaving Rome at once with that gentle lad Manuel, who, from all I can gather, has said something to displease the Pope. Angela is out of danger now—and I am trying to persuade the Cardinal to accompany us to England, and be present at our marriage."
"That would be delightful!" said Sylvie with a smile,—"But my Aubrey, where are we going to be married?"
"In England, as I said—not here!" said Aubrey firmly—"Not here, where evil tongues have spoken lies against my darling!" He drew her into his arms and looked at her fondly. "I want you to start for England soon, Sylvie—and if possible, I should like you to go, not only with the faithful Bozier, but also in the care of the Cardinal. I will precede you by some days, and arrange everything for your reception. And then we will be married—in MY way!"
Sylvie said nothing—she merely nestled like a dove in the arms of her betrothed, and seemed quite content to accept whatever ordinance he laid down for the ruling of her fate.
"I think you must see Gherardi," he resumed—"Write a line and say you will be happy to receive him at the hour he appoints."
Sylvie obeyed—and despatched the note at once to the Vatican by her man-servant.
Aubrey looked at her intently.
"I wonder—Sylvie, I wonder—" he began, and then stopped.
She met his earnest eyes with a smile in her own.