credulity, "That man looks as though he had a story," or, "That
woman looks as though something odd might happen to her." It is an
expression in the eyes, a delicate shade in the features, which
speak of many things which we do not understand; things which, if
they exist at all, we feel must be inevitable, fatal, and beyond
human control. Giovanni looked and was surprised, but Faustina
said nothing.

"It was very good of the prince to bring him here," remarked Sant'
Ilario.

"It was very unlike papa," exclaimed Flavia, before her mother
could answer. "But very kind, of course, as you say," she added,
with a little smile. Flavia had a habit of making rather startling
remarks, and of then adding something in explanation or comment,
before her hearers had recovered breath. The addition did not
always mend matters very much.

"Do not interrupt me, Flavia," said her mother, severely.

"I beg your pardon, were you speaking, mamma?" asked the young
girl, innocently.

Giovanni was not amused by Flavia's manners, and waited calmly for
the princess to speak.

"Indeed," said she, "there was nothing else to be done. As we had
run over the poor man--"

"The carriage--" suggested Flavia. But her mother took no notice