Was it not the self-same laughter that had pierced my brain the night I witnessed her amorous interview with Guido in the avenue?
Had not the cruel mockery of it nearly driven me mad?
I could not endure it--I sprung to her side--she ceased laughing and looked at me in wide-eyed wonderment.
"Listen!" I said, in an impatient, almost fierce tone.

"Do not laugh like that! It jars my nerves--it--hurts me! I will tell you why.
Once--long ago--in my youth--I loved a woman.

She was NOT like you--no--for she was false! False to the very heart's core--false in every word she uttered.

You understand me?
she resembled you in nothing--nothing! But she used to laugh at me--she trampled on my life and spoiled it--she broke my heart! It is all past now, I never think of her, only your laughter reminded me--there!" And I took her hands and kissed them.

"I have told you the story of my early folly--forget it and forgive me! It is time you prepared for your journey, is it not?
If I can be of service to you, command me--you know where to send for me.