It was the way of the world and could not be helped, yet if Giovanni stayed in Rome it would be too much to expect that he should stay away from the little apartment in Trastevere.

So the matter was settled, and when he came to see Angela that afternoon he had just had an interview with his chief, who had informed him of his appointment, and at the same time of his promotion to be captain.

The expedition was to leave Italy in a few days, and he would have barely time to provide himself with what was strictly necessary for the climate.

He explained all this to Angela and Madame Bernard.
'If you had only let me resign the other day,' he said ruefully, when he had finished his account, 'nobody could have found fault then! But now, I must face the laugh of every man I know!' Angela looked up quickly, in evident surprise.
'Why ?' she asked.

'I see nothing to laugh at in such an expedition.' 'I am not going to accept the appointment,' Giovanni answered with decision.