"I'm not thinking of myself, either," said Roma, "and I'm not going to give in at the eleventh hour. But David Rossi will come back. I am sure he will, and then..."
"And then... you, Donna Roma?"
"I?"
Roma fell back on her bed-chair. "No, I shall not be here, that's true. It's a pity, but after all it makes no difference. And if David Rossi has to come back... over... over my dead body, as you might say... who is to know... or care... except perhaps... some day... when he..."
Roma struggled on, but Elena broke down utterly.
The door opened again, and a sentry on guard outside announced the English Ambassador.
"Ah! Sir Evelyn, is it you?"
The English gentleman held down his head. "Forgive me if I intrude upon your trouble, Donna Roma."
"Sit! Give his Excellency a chair, Sister.... Times have changed since I knew you first, Sir Evelyn. I was a thoughtless, happy woman in those days. But they are gone, and I do not regret them."
"You are very brave, Donna Roma. Too brave. Only for that your trial must have gone differently."