The fact was clear that sash and earrings could never compete with uniform and sword and the Italian language.

His mind was made up; he would withdraw to-night before he was found out, and leave Valedolmo to-morrow morning by the early boat.

Miss Constance Wilder should never have the satisfaction of knowing the truth.
He was engaged in framing a dignified speech to Mr.Wilder--thanking him for his generosity, but declining to accept a reward for what had been merely a matter of duty--when his reflections were cut short by the sound of footsteps on the stairs.

They were by no means noiseless footsteps; there were good strong nails all over the bottom of Constance's shoes.
The next moment she appeared in the doorway.

Her eyes were centred on the view; she looked entirely over Tony.