ECHO AND PRELUDE At Villa Sannazaro, the posture of affairs was already understood.

When Eleanor Spence, casually calling at the _pension_, found that Cecily was unable to receive visitors, she at the same time learnt from Mrs.
Lessingham to what this seclusion was due.

The ladies had a singular little conversation, for Eleanor was inwardly so amused at this speedy practical comment on Mrs.Lessingham's utterances of the other day, that with difficulty she kept her countenance; while Mrs.Lessingham herself, impelled to make the admission without delay, that she might exhibit a philosophic acceptance of fact, had much ado to hide her chagrin beneath the show of half-cynical frankness that became a woman of the world.

Eleanor--passably roguish within the limits of becoming mirth--acted the scene to her husband, who laughed shamelessly.

Then came explanations between Eleanor and Miriam.
The following day passed without news, but on the morning after, Miriam had a letter from Cecily; not a long letter, nor very effusive, but telling all that was to be told.