But by aiding Madonna Paola I have burned my boats against returning to claim the redemption of that promise; though had it not been for Madonna Paola and what I did, I scarce know how I should have penetrated here to you." She broke the seal, and rising crossed to the window, where she stood reading the letter, her back toward me.

Presently I heard a stifled sob.

The letter was crushed in her hand.

Then moments passed ere she confronted me once more.

But her manner as all changed; she was agitated and preoccupied, and for all that she forced herself to talk of me and my affairs, her mind was clearly elsewhere.