nee, and his chin upon his
closed hand, and he looked at her long in silence. He envied her for
having been able to say aloud what she felt, under cover of her secret,
and he longed to answer her, to tell her that he loved her even better
than she loved that unknown man, to hear himself say it to her only
once, come what might. But for Guido he would have spoken, for as he
gazed at her the instinctive masculine conviction returned stronger than
ever, that if he chose he could make her love him. For a moment he was
absolutely sure of it, but he only sat still, looking at her.

"You believe me now," she said at last, leaning back and turning her
eyes away.

"Poor Guido!" he exclaimed.

He knew indeed that there was no longer any hope for his friend.

"Yes," he added thoughtfully. "It was in your eyes just then, when you
were speaking, just as if that man had been there before you. I shall
know who he is if I ever see you together. It is understood, then," he
went on, changing his tone, "I am to tell him that you wish to put off
the marriage till you are more sure of yourself--that you wrote that
letter under an impulse."

"Yes, that is true. And you wish me to try to make him understand by
degrees that it is all over, and to go away from Rome in a few days,
asking him not to follow me at once."

"I think that is the kindest thing you can do. On my part I will give
him what hope I can that you may change your mind again."

"You know that I never shall."

"I may hope what I please. There is always a possibility. We are human,
after all. One may hope against conviction. May I see you again
to-morrow to tell you how he takes your message?"

To his surprise Cecilia hesitated several seconds before she answered.

"Of course," she said at last. "Or you can write to me or to my mother,
which will save you the trouble of coming here."

"It is no trouble," Lamberti answered mechanically. "But of course it is
painful for you to talk about it all, so unless something unexpected
happens I will write a line to your mother to say that Guido accepts
your decision, and to let you know how he is. If there is anything
wrong, I will come in the evening."

"Thank you. That is the best way."

"Good night." He rose as he spoke.

"Good night. Thank you." She held out her hand rather timidly.

He took it, and she withdrew it precipitately, after the merest touch.
She rose quickly and went towards the door of the boudoir, calling