me had I offered to her.

"You are quite right not to embarrass yourself," she said, when I
explained to her my immediate circumstances; "but why did you make
papa an offer which you cannot perform? He must remain here now till
he hears from England. Had you explained it all at first, the ten
napoleons would have carried us to Milan." This was all true, and yet
I thought it hard upon me.

It was evident to me now, that Sophonisba was prepared to join her
step-mother in thinking that I had ill-treated them, and I had not
much doubt that I should find Mr. Greene to be of the same opinion.
There was very little more said between us during the walk, and when
we reached the hotel at seven or half-past seven o'clock, I merely
remarked that I would go in and wish her father and mother good-bye.
"I suppose you will drink tea with us," said Sophonisba, and to this I
assented.

I went into my own room, and put all my things into my portmanteau,
for according to the custom, which is invariable in Italy when an
early start is premeditated, the Boots was imperative in his demand
that the luggage should be ready over night. I then went to the
Greene's sitting-room, and found that the whole party was now aware of
my intentions.

"So you are going to desert us," said Mrs. Greene.

"I must go on upon my journey," I pleaded in a weak apologetic voice.

"Go on upon your journey, sir!" said Mrs. Greene. "I would not for a