Meet me to-morrow at the Villa Negroni, and let me know where my letters are to be addressed.

You must be ready to start within a week.

Believe me, I am sorry to lose you; but the sacrifice is forced upon me by the most absurd prejudice.

Go now, and do not let me witness your grief." He spoke the last words because he saw my eyes filling with tears, and he did not give me time to answer.

Before leaving his room, I had the strength of mind to compose myself, and I put on such an air of cheerfulness that the Abbe Gama, who took me to his room to drink some coffee, complimented me upon my happy looks.
"I am sure," he said, "that they are caused by the conversation you have had with his eminence." "You are right; but you do not know the sorrow at my heart which I try not to shew outwardly." "What sorrow ?" "I am afraid of failing in a difficult mission which the cardinal has entrusted me with this morning.