He remembered it through the horrible pain it had soothed, and it was better than the touch of an angel, for it was the touch of a loving woman.

But he did not know that, and be fancied that if she had ever guessed that he loved her, she would not have come to him now.

She would feel that the mere thought in his heart was an offence.

And besides, she was to marry Contarini, and she was not of the kind that would promise to marry one man and yet encourage love in another.

It was well, thought Zorzi, that she had never suspected the truth.
When Marietta reached her room again she listened patiently to Nella's scolding and warning, for she did not hear a word the good woman said to her.