Nobody could ever explain why that window fell in, five years ago--five years ago this month,--this very day, I believe," he continued suddenly, in the act of recollection.

"Yes--the nineteenth of January, I remember very well--it was my mother's birthday." "It is not so extraordinary," said Corona, "for it chances to be the name-day of the present prince.

That was probably the reason why it was chosen this year." She spoke a little nervously, as though still ill at ease.
"But it is very strange," said Giovanni, in a low voice.

"It is strange that we should have met here the first time, and that we should not have met here since, until--to-day." He looked towards her as he spoke, and their eyes met and lingered in each other's gaze.

Suddenly the blood mounted to Corona's cheeks, her eyelids drooped, she leaned back in her seat and was silent.
Far off, at the entrance to the ball-room, Del Ferice found Donna Tullia alone.