"Why, in the name of all wonders!"-- and he read:-- "Good-bye.

I am just starting for the Continent, on sudden and urgent business.

What my destination is I hardly can tell you yet.

You will hear from me in the course of the summer." Claude's countenance fell, and the note fell likewise.

Sabina snatched it up, read it, and gave La Cordifiamma a look which made her spring from the sofa, and snatch it in turn.
She read it through, with trembling hands, and blanching cheeks, and then dropped fainting upon the floor.
They laid her on the sofa, and while they were recovering her, Claude told Sabina the only clue which he had to the American's conduct, namely, that afternoon's conversation.
Sabina shook her head over it; for to her, also, the American's explanation had suggested itself.