It will afford my daughter great pleasure if this young lady will join us." Colomba looked at her brother, who did not need much pressing, and they all passed together into the largest room in the inn, which the colonel used as his sitting and dining room.

Mademoiselle della Rebbia, on being introduced to Miss Nevil, made her a deep courtesy, but she did not utter a single word.

It was easy to see that she was very much frightened at finding herself, perhaps for the first time in her life, in the company of strangers belonging to the great world.

Yet there was nothing provincial in her manners.

The novelty of her position excused her awkwardness.