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 tonight before he was found out, and leave Valedolmo tomorrow 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 centered on the view; she looked entirely over Tony.