It is the only way in which any intercourse between us can be possible after this--this dreadful night." Giovanni bowed his head.

He was still pale, but he had regained control of himself.
"I solemnly promise that I will not recall it to your memory, and I implore your forgiveness, even though you cannot forget." "I cannot forget," said Corona, almost under her breath.

Giovanni's eyes flashed for a moment.

"Shall we go back to the ball-room?
I will go home soon." As they turned to go, a loud crash, as of broken glass, with the fall of some heavy body, startled them, and made them stand still in the middle of the walk.

The noisy concussion was followed by a complete silence.
Corona, whose nerves had been severely tried, trembled slightly.
"It is strange," she said; "they say it always happens." There was nothing to be seen.