Mrs. Frewen returned with her niece to Italy. Our hero saw them off, and that same day Oscar returned and met the beautiful Caroline Metti, and in a laughing tone said:
"Now, Caroline, if I could only gather the links to prove you a princess I should be a proud and happy man."
"Those links you will never gather, but I am grateful to you, for you have restored to me an interest in life and awakened an ambition."
"And what is your ambition?"
"I hardly dare tell you."
"Yes, tell me."
"You will be jealous."
"No, I will not;" but there did come a color to our hero's handsome face.
"You are sure you will not be jealous?"
"I am sure."