You do not take nearly so much interest in my affairs as you ought." "But you told me that Don Antonio was your man of business." "Well, then--no--this time it is not a matter of business.

I wanted to prepare a surprise for you." She seated herself on his knee, and laying her cheek to his, she whispered: "I have been trying to have myself naturalized in Belgium, and then, as a Belgian subject, get a divorce from Count Pozaldez.

In that way I might have become your wife before the law as well." He looked at her with a face expressive rather of alarm and astonishment than joy, and she went on with a sigh, "However, Don Antonio has just told me I must give up that pleasant dream--it cannot be realized." He kissed her lips and brow, and stroked her silky hair.

She laid her head on his shoulder, and remained long in silent thought.

Presently she rose, walked up and down the room once or twice, and finally seated herself on a footstool at Wilhelm's feet.