Closer and closer yet, as by a spell, each gazing searchingly into the other's glance, till their eyes could see no more for closeness, and their lips met in life's first virgin kiss,--in the glory and strength of a two-fold purity, each to each.
Far off at the other end of the room De Pretis struck a chord on the piano.

They started at the sound.
"When ?" whispered Nino, hurriedly.
"At midnight, under my window," she answered, quickly, not thinking of anything better in her haste.

"I will tell you then.

You must go; my father will soon be here.

No, not again," she protested.