This morning, however, she made a departure from her long habit.

Not only did she pause upon observing his approach, but she called to him as if she would have him hasten to her side.

And hasten he did, a new light in his eyes that was mostly of surprise, but a little, also, of hope.
She was gracious to him for once, and gave him good morning in a manner that bordered upon the pleasant.

Wondering, he fell into step beside her, and they paced together the yew-bordered terrace, the ever-vigilant but discreet "Battista" following them, though keeping now a few paces farther in the rear.
For a little while they appeared constrained, and their talk was of the falling leaves and the grateful change that had so suddenly come upon the weather.

Suddenly she stopped and faced him.
"Will you do me a favour, Marius ?" she asked.