"Yes!—glad that you will have a change"—he said—"Your constant care and anxiety for these people whom we rescued from death must have tired you out unconsciously. You will enjoy a free flight through space,—and the ship is in perfect condition; she will carry you like an angel in the air!"
She smiled and gave him her hand.
"Good Giulio!—you are quite a romancist!—you talk of angels without believing in them!"
"I believe in them when I look at YOU!" he said, with all an Italian's impulsive gallantry.
"Very pretty of you!" and she withdrew her hand from his too fervent clasp,—"I feel sorry for myself that I cannot rightly appreciate so charming a compliment!"
"It is not a compliment"—he declared, vehemently; "It is a truth!"
Her eyes dwelt on him with a wistful kindness.
"You are what some people call 'a good fellow,' Giulio!" she said—"And you deserve to be very happy. I hope you will be so! I want you to prosper so that you may restore your grand old villa to its former beauty,—I also want you to marry—and bring up a big family"—here she laughed a little—"A family of sons and daughters who will be grateful to you, and not waste every penny you give them—though that is the modern way of sons and daughters."
She paused, smiling at his moody expression. "And you say everything is ready?—the 'White Eagle' is prepared for flight?"
"She will leave the shed at a moment's touch"—he answered—"when YOU supply the motive power!"