But Elettra could not control what she ate in the dining-room.

She would not communicate her fears to Veronica, either, for she knew her mistress well; and at the same time she did not know what or how much Don Teodoro had told her during his visit.

Veronica was perfectly fearless, and was inclined to be impatient, at any time, when any one insisted upon her taking any precautions, for any reason whatsoever--even against catching cold.

She was not rash, however, for she had not been brought up in a way to develop any such tendency.

She was naturally courageous, and that was all.