It will be a very pleasant outing for us.

It is such a long time since we went out together." It was certainly that idea of going out with Dario, of having a pretext for a complete reconciliation with him, that enchanted her; he himself realised it, and, unable to escape, he tried to treat the matter as a joke.

"Ah! cousin," he said, "it will be your fault; I shall have the nightmare for a week.

An excursion like that spoils all the enjoyment of life for days and days." The mere thought made him quiver with revolt.

However, laughter again rang out around him, and, in spite of Donna Serafina's mute disapproval, the appointment was finally fixed for the following morning at ten o'clock.