"I alone was silent. I felt a sympathy with Camillo which I had never
known before. The tears came into my eyes as I watched him gently
conversing with my mother, turning now and then in some conversation with
Luigi and my younger sister. How I watched Luigi! How I caught the words
that were not addressed to me! How my heart throbbed at his sweet,
humorous laugh, in which my sister joined, while his eyes wandered
wonderingly toward mine, as if to ask why I was so silent. I tried to see
that they fastened upon me with special interest. I could not do it.
Gracious and gentle to all, I could not perceive that his manner toward me
was different, and I felt a new sorrow.
"So we glided over the Lagune into the canal, and beneath the balconied
palaces, until we reached our own. The gondolas stopped. Luigi leaped out
instantly upon the broad marble pavement, and assisted my mother to
alight, then my sister. Then I placed my hand in his, and my heart stood
still. It was a moment, but it was also an age. The next instant I stood
free upon the step. Free--but bound forever.
"We were passing up the staircase into the palace, Luigi plucked an orange
bud and handed it to me.
Pages:
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207