not help being content. There was a certain
joy in her weakness and shame, though they were genuine and kept her
hushed and silent.

Poor Lisetta was very much frightened, but told her story to this angry
stranger with true Southern palaver. She said the little lady loved
Italy so, and wanted to be a peasant, and insisted she would run away
quite by herself if Lisetta would not take her, and so she consented,
knowing she could, through the padrona, send word to the friends.

"And the man?" asked Norman, impatiently.

"What man? O, the officer. He just rode down this morning for a morning
call. I never saw him before."

A great weight, as large as the Piedmontese, fell from Norman's heart
then, and he scattered money among the children recklessly and ordered
up the donkey; and smiled on the amazed Lisetta all in the same breath,
and went back to help Mae into the wagon with the lightest kind of a
heart. It was a strange ride they took back to Castellamare. I think
they both wished the world could stand still once more. When they had
arrived at the station they found the next train to Naples was not due
for two hours. Norman left Mae in the waiting-room for a time. Through
the window she watched Gaetano and the donkey start homeward, with a
great sigh of relief. She had time while she was sitting to think, but
her head was in too great a whirl. She could only feel sorry and ashamed
and meek and happy, all mixed together. The sensation was odd.

"I have telegraphed Eric that we would start home by the next train,
that you had only been off for a frolic. I hope we can buy a waterproof
or shawl and a hat in Naples for you?"

"Yes," said Mae, meekly, "I have my waterproof here. I think I will put
it on now, please," and she began nervously to untie the shawl strap.
Norman put her fingers gently aside, and unbuckled it for her. He handed
her the long deep-blue cloak, which she put tightly about her, drawing
the hood over her head. "You look like a nun," said Norman, smiling.
"I wish I were one," replied Mae, with a choke in her throat. She was
growing very penitential and softened.

"What shall we do now?" asked Mr. Mann. "We have a long time to wait. If
you feel like walking, we can find a pleasanter spot than this."

"Go anywhere you please," replied Mae meekly. "What is the matter with
you?"--for Norman had a very amused expression in his brown eyes.

"I hardly recognize you. Not a trace of fight so far, and it mus