They talked idly about dull subjects, and from time to time Matilde looked up and smiled sadly.

She sat so that she could not see Bosio's photograph on the mantelpiece.

After she had been there half an hour, she started, suddenly remembering something.
"I have done such a stupid thing!" she exclaimed, with an expression of annoyance.

"I believe I am losing my memory!" "What is it ?" asked Veronica, naturally.
"I sent my maid out, just before I came to you, with a number of errands to do, and I forgot two things that I wanted very much.

There was some medicine which I was to take before luncheon, and some jet beads that I needed.