On the terrace the Padre himself had shown uneasiness when he heard that Signora Dessalle had arrived.

His desire to avoid her had been evident; but he was quite master of his feelings.

Oh! yes, he was quite master of his feelings.

Maria was of the same opinion, and she told of her conversation with him at the foot of the stairway.

Husband and wife slowly ascended the stairs, absorbed in contemplation of this extraordinary drama, of the poor woman's crushing grief, of the terrible impression the man must have borne away with him, and--now that it was over--of the night both must pass, wondering what would happen to-morrow, what he would do, what she would do.
"It is well to pray over such matters, is it not ?" said Maria.
"Yes, dear, it is.