Again, I was sure that he also "designed to marry the signorina," and, if I must have a rival on the spot, I preferred McGregor in that capacity.

Lastly, I thought that, after all, there is a decency in things, and I had better stick to my party.

I did not, however, tell McGregor about the letter, merely sending him a line to say I had heard that _The Songstress_ was hovering a few miles off, and he had better look out.
This done, I resumed my interrupted progress to the signorina's.

When I was shown in, she greeted me kindly.
"I have had a letter from the President," I said.
"Yes," said she, "he told me he had written to you." "Why, have you heard from him ?" "Yes, just a little note.

He is rather cross with me." "I can quite understand that.