But she is coming." "How soon ?" "I have already waited ten minutes; I expect her from moment to moment." "Meanwhile we are alone ?" And she glanced into the dusky corners of the room.
"Unless Stenterello counts," said Rowland.
"Oh, he knows my secrets--unfortunate brute!" She sat silent awhile, looking into the firelight.

Then at last, glancing at Rowland, "Come! say something pleasant!" she exclaimed.
"I have been very happy to hear of your engagement." "No, I don't mean that.

I have heard that so often, only since breakfast, that it has lost all sense.

I mean some of those unexpected, charming things that you said to me a month ago at Saint Cecilia's." "I offended you, then," said Rowland.

"I was afraid I had." "Ah, it occurred to you?
Why have n't I seen you since ?" "Really, I don't know." And he began to hesitate for an explanation.