ome; but come back with papa; he 'll
be overjoyed to have you with us."

"No, no," muttered Tony, in a faint whisper; "I could not, I could not."

"Is that old grudge of long ago so deep that time has not filled it up?"

"I could not, I could not," muttered he, evidently not hearing the words
she had just spoken.

"And why not, Tony? Just tell me why not?"

"Shall I tell you, Alice?" said he; and his lip shook and his cheek grew
pale as he spoke,--"shall I tell you?"

She nodded; for she too was moved, and did not trust herself to speak.

"Shall I tell you?" said he; and he looked into her eyes with a meaning
so full of love, and yet of sorrow, that her cheek became crimson, and
she turned away in shame.

"No, Tony," whispered she, faintly, "better not say--what might pain us
both, perhaps."

"Enough, if you know," said he, faintly.

"There, see, my friend has lost all patience; come up to the road, Tony.
She must see that my interview has been with an English gentleman, and
not a brigand chief. Give me your arm, and do not look so sulky."

"You women can look any way you will," mumbled he, "no matter what you
may feel; that is, if you _do_ feel."

"You are the same old savage, Tony, as ever," said she, laughing. "I
never got my melon, after all, Miss Lester; the sight of an old friend
was, however, better. Let me present him to you,--Mr. Butler."

"Mr. Tony Butler?" asked she, with a peculiar smile; and though she
spoke it low, he heard her, and said, "Yes; I am Tony Butler."

"Sir Arthur will be charmed to know you are here. It was but yesterday
he said he 'd not mind taking a run through Calabria if we only had you
with us."

"I have said all that and more to him, but he does n't mind it," said
Alice.

"Is this fair, Alice?" whispered he.

"In fact," resumed she, "he has nowhere particular to go to, provided it
be not the same road that we are taking."

"Is this kind, Alice?" whispered he, again.

"And though I have told him what pleasure it would give us all if he
would turn back with us--"

"You 'll drive me to say it," muttered he, between his teeth.

"If you dare, sir," said she, in a low but clear whisper; and now
she stepped into the carriage, and affected to busy herself with her
mufflers. Tony assisted Miss Lester to her place, and then walked round
to the side where Alice sat.

"You are not angry with me, Alice?" said he, falteringly.

"I certainly am not pleased," said she, cold