She hesitated again as she laid her hand upon the latch of the door, knowing that he was in the room beyond; then at last she entered.
Her face was very pale and very grave.

Her simple gown of close-fitting black set off her height and figure, and flowed softly in harmony with her stately movements as she advanced towards Giovanni, who stood almost awestruck in the middle of the room.

He could not realise that this dark sad princess was the same woman to whom less than a month ago he had spoken such passionate words, whom he had madly tried to take into his arms.

Proud as he was, it seemed presumptuous in him to think of love in connection with so royal a woman; and yet he knew that he loved her better and more truly than he had done a month before.

She held out her hand to him, and he raised it to his lips.