"They are watching us." Marcello looked round and saw that the others were nearer than he had supposed, and he blushed foolishly.
"Well, what harm would there be if you gave me your hand ?" he asked.

"I only meant--" "Yes, I understand," Aurora answered, in the same tone as before.

"And I am glad you like me, Marcello--if you really do." "If I do!" His tone was full of youthful and righteous indignation.
"I did not mean to doubt it," she said quickly.

"But it is getting to be different now, you know.

We are older, and somehow everything means more, even the little things." "Oh!" ejaculated Marcello.