again! Shall I
look older? No, for thinking of you makes me feel younger and
younger every minute. How old are you? Thirty-four? I'm twenty-four
and a half, and that is just right, but if you think I ought to be
nearer your age I'll wear a bonnet and fasten it with a bow.

"ROMA.

"P.S.--Don't delay the momentous matter. Don't! Don't! Don't!"

She dined alone that night that she might be undisturbed in her thoughts
of Rossi. Ordinary existence had almost disappeared from her
consciousness, and every time Felice spoke as he served the dishes his
voice seemed to come from far away.

She went to bed early, but it was late before she slept. For a long time
she lay awake to think over all that had happened, and, when the night
was far gone, and she tried to fall asleep in order to dream of it also,
she could not do so for sheer delight of the prospect. But at last amid
the gathering clouds of sleep she said "Good-night," with the ghost of a
kiss, and slept until morning.

When she awoke it was late, and the sun was shining into the room. She
lay on her back and stretched out both arms for sheer sweetness of the
sensation of health and love. Everything was well, and she was very
happy. Thinking of yesterday, she was even sorry for the Baron, and told
herself she had been too bold and daring.

But that thought was gone in a moment. Body and soul were suffused with
joy, and she leapt out of bed with a spring.

A moment afterwards Natalina came with a letter. It was from the Baron
himself, and it was dated the day before:--

"Minghelli has returned from London, and therefore I must see you
to-morrow at eleven o'clock. Be so good as to be at home, and give
orders that for half-an-hour at least we shall be quite undisturbed."

Then the sun went out, the air grew dull, and darkness fell over all the
world.

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PART FIVE--THE PRIME MINISTER

I

It was Sunday. The storm threatened by the sunset of the day before had
not yet come, but the sun was struggling through a veil of clouds, and a
black ridge lay over the horizon.

At eleven o'clock to the moment the Baron arrived. As usual, he was
faultlessly dressed, and he looked cool and tranquil.

"I am to show you into this room, Excellency," said Felice, leading the
way to the boudoir.

"Thanks!... Anyth