Suddenly she paused, and turned back to look at him.
"Why did you come to-day ?" she asked.
"Because you desired it," answered Nino, in some astonishment.
"You need not have come," she said, bending down to lean on the back of a silken chair.

She folded her hands and looked at him as he stood not three paces away.

"Do you not know what has happened ?" she asked, with a smile that was a little sad.
"I do not understand," said Nino simply.

He was facing the entrance to the room, and saw the curtains parted by the servant.

The baroness had her back to the door, and did not hear.
"Do you not know," she continued, "that you are free now?
Your appearance in public has put an end to it all.