"Mother," added she, with that strange emotion to which she was sometimes a victim, "I think that this unfortunate affair is but the beginning of the realization of the unfortunate fate which I know is reserved for me. It seems to me that on yesterday our evil days began."
She hid her head in her mother's bosom to conceal her tears, and to find a refuge against the misfortunes she feared.
A servant came in, and said, "The Marquis de Maulear wishes to wait on the ladies."
"Mother, mother," said Aminta, "how can I refrain from blushing before him?"
Signora Rovero bade the servant show the Marquis in. Then arranging Aminta's beautiful hair, she kissed her forehead, and said:
"Daughter, one never blushes in the presence of a husband."
Aminta, with great surprise, looked at her mother.
"Ah, ah!" said Madame Rovero, with a smile, "a parent's eyes see much."
Before Aminta had time to speak, the Marquis entered. He was pale and excited.
"Signora," said he to Aminta's mother, "I come to beg you to pardon me for a great fault."