His naïve pleasure in the latter fact struck Anne as so comical that she actually laughed.
“Funny Alexis!” she said tenderly. “You certainly make an odd father. But tell me, what school is Jack in? You must give me his address. Do you think he would like to come to us for the holidays? That is——” she added hastily, Alexis was sensitive over receiving favors—“if he has made no other plans?”
His face was almost radiant. “He is at Eton. He would love to go to you, I know. If you really want him. I can’t have him here——” the smile faded. “And I was worrying about where to send him. But—are you sure your husband wouldn’t mind?”
“Vittorio? Never,” said Anne confidently. “He loves children. And—and he admires you tremendously, Alexis. There is no, no hard feeling in his heart for you. Vittorio is a very noble man and he appreciates nobility in others!”
Alexis bowed his head upon his chest. “Thank you, my Anne. May I call you that?”
“Oh, yes, of course, Alexis,” she patted the hand near hers. She hesitated a moment. “Vittorio is here with me now. Would you like to see him, dear? Or would it be too much for you?”
Alexis’ face paled. The dry lips quivered. There was a pause before he replied.
“I should like to see him,” he said firmly. “I want to thank him for—for making you so happy.”
“You are sure?” she insisted, a little frightened at her temerity in bringing the two men together. The two men whose lives had crossed so fatally, and yet who had never, in the course of events, actually met face to face. Yet, if she were really to help Alexis during the next few weeks of their stay, the meeting was inevitable. Her hesitation was palpable. Alexis reassured her, with pathetic vehemence.
“Of course I am sure. Please call him, Anne darling. Can’t you see I’ve passed beyond all stage of jealousy? My illness seems to have extinguished the evil fire forever.”