At last I said: "If YOU say so, contessa, then it must be so.

I have had no experience in affairs of the heart, as they are called, and I find it difficult to give a name to the feelings which possess me; I am only conscious of a very strong wish to become the absolute master of your destiny." And involuntarily I clinched my hand as I spoke.

She did not observe the action, but she answered the words with a graceful bend of the head and a smile.
"I could not have a better fortune," she said, "for I am sure my destiny will be all brightness and beauty with YOU to control and guide it!" "It will be what you desire," I half muttered; then with an abrupt change of manner I said: "I will wish you goodnight, contessa.

It grows late, and my state of health compels me to retire to rest early." She rose from her seat and gave me a compassionate look.
"You are really a great sufferer then ?" she inquired tenderly.

"I am sorry! But perhaps careful nursing will quite restore you.