asked the young girl.

"Yes."

"What is it?"

"Wait a moment. Let these people pass. How in the world did you succeed
in getting so many roses to grow in such a short time?"

"You must ask the gardener," Cecilia answered, in order to say something
while a young couple passed before the bench, evidently very much
absorbed in each other's conversation.

Guido bent forward, resting his elbows on his knees, and not looking at
her, but turning his face a little, so that he could speak in a very low
tone with an outward appearance of carelessness. It was very hard to put
the question, after all, now that he was so near her, and felt her
thrilling presence.

"Our agreement is a failure," he began. "At all events, it is one on my
side. I really did not think it would turn out as it has."

She said nothing, and he knew that she did not move, and was looking at
the people in the distance. He knew, also, that she understood him and
had expected something of the sort. That made it a little easier to go
on.

"That is the reason why I am going to ask you this question. What has
there ever been between you and Lamberti? Why do you turn deathly pale
when you meet him, and why does he try to avoid you?"

He heard her move now, and he slowly turned his face till he could see
hers. The colour in her cheeks had deepened a little, and there was an
angry light in her eyes which he had never seen there. But she said not
a word in answer.

"Do you love him?" Guido asked in a very low tone, and his voice
trembled slightly.

"No!" The word came with sharp energy.

"How long have you known him?" Guido enquired.

"Since I have known you. I met him first on the same day. I have not
spoken with him since. I tried to-day, I could not."

"Why not?"

"Do not ask me. I cannot tell you."

"Are you speaking the truth?" Guido asked, suddenly meeting her eyes.

She drew back with a quick movement, deeply offended and angry at the
brutal question.

"How dare you doubt what I tell you!" She seemed about to rise.

"I beg your pardon," he said humbly. "I really beg your pardon. It is
all so strange. I hardly knew what I was saying. Please forgive me!"

"I will try," Cecilia answered. "But I think I would rather go back now.
We cannot talk here."

She rose to her feet, but Guido tried to detain her, remaining seated
and looking up.

"Please, please stay a little longer!" he pleaded.

"No."

"You are still angry with me?"

"No.