He stood beside me in this room, and said, Christina, I am growing old.

I shall wait no longer.

I believe you're in love with that young Martin.' Then he apologized for his plain speaking, for he's always gentle in manner.

And I defied him.

And then, Jack, what do you think he did ?" I sprang up in a fury.
"What ?" I cried.
"He _laughed_!" said the signorina, with tragic intensity.