How utterly mistaken was Mrs. Douglas! and how shocked would Lucile
Sherman have been this very morning could she have known how strong a
longing leaped into Robert Sumner's heart to take into his hungry arms
that graceful figure in worn brown suit, with brave, smiling young face
and steadfast eyes, put her into his carriage, and drive
away,--anywhere,--so it only were away and away!

Or, how stern a grip he imposed on himself as he took his seat beside
her dimpling, chattering self, radiant with fresh colors and graceful
draperies.

Or, of the tumult of his thoughts as they drove along through the narrow
streets, across the yellow Tiber and up to the stately entrance of St.
Peter's.




Chapter XIV.

A Visit to the Sistine Chapel.

_Deep love lieth under
These pictures of time;
They fade in the light of
Their meaning sublime._

--EMERSON.

[Illustration: ST. PETER'S AND CASTLE OF ST. ANGELO, ROME.]