I have no objection to him." "Why should I need admirers ?" asked Corona, quietly.
"I was merely jesting, my love.

Is not your own husband the greatest of your admirers, and your devoted slave into the bargain ?" Old Astrardente's face twisted itself into the semblance of a smile, as he leaned towards his young wife, lowering his cracked voice to a thin whisper.

He was genuinely in love with her, and lost no opportunity of telling her so.

She smiled a little wearily.
"You are very good to me," she said.

She had often wondered how it was that this aged creature, who had never been faithful to any attachment in his life for five months, did really seem to love her just as he had done for five years.