But he was grateful to her for her silence during the meal, and for her speedy retirement afterward.

For he felt he was too deeply moved to be able to resist the attack she was no doubt preparing to make upon him.

Colomba, however, was dealing warily with him, and meant to give him time to collect himself.

He sat for a long time motionless, with his head on his hand, thinking over the scenes of the last fortnight of his life.

He saw, with alarm, how every one seemed to be watching what would be his behaviour to the Barricini.