"Samson was shorn of his strength by the fingers of a woman," he said.
"Yes. Many good men have been betrayed by evil women, but it is not often that evil men meet their punishment through good ones. And now—a riverderci."
"Good-by, for a few days." He pressed his lips lightly to her fingers.
XX
THE MAN IN THE SHADOWS
Late one day, a fortnight after her visit to Blake's office, Vittoria returned from a call upon Myra Nell Warren, to find Oliveta in a high state of apprehension. The girl, who had evidently kept watch for her, met her at the door, and inquired, nervously:
"What news? What have you heard?"
"Nothing further, sorella mia."
"Impossible! God in Heaven! I am dying! This suspense—I cannot endure it longer."
Vittoria laid a comforting hand upon her.