CHAPTER III

"OURS IS A STRANGE COURTSHIP"


Louise looked up eagerly as he entered.

"There is news!" she exclaimed. "I can see it in your face."

"Yes," Bellamy answered, "there is news! That is why I have come.
Where can we talk?"

She rose to her feet. Before them the open French windows led on
to a smooth green lawn. She took his arm.

"Come outside with me," she said. "I am shut up here because I
will not see the doctors whom they send, or any one from the Opera
House. An envoy from the Palace has been and I have sent him away."

"You mean to keep your word, then?"

"Have I ever broken it? Never again will I sing in this City. It
is so."

Bellamy looked around. The garden of the villa was enclosed by
high gray stone walls. They were secure here, at least, from
eavesdroppers. She rested her fingers lightly upon his arm, holding
up the skirts of her loose gown with her other hand.