The day wore on slowly enough; and I was glad when the evening closed in, and when Vincenzo, remarking that the night was chilly, kindled a pleasant wood-fire in my room, and lighted the lamps.

A little while before my dinner was served he handed me a letter stating that it had just been brought by the Countess Romani's coachman.

It bore my own seal and motto.

I opened it; it was dated, "La Santissima Annunziata," and ran as follows: "Beloved! I arrived here safely; the nuns are delighted to see me, and you will be made heartily welcome when you come.

I think of you constantly--how happy I felt this morning! You seemed to love me so much; why are you not always so fond of your faithful "NINA ?" I crumpled this note fiercely in my hand and flung it into the leaping flames of the newly lighted fire.