leave the house without thanking his hostess. His uniform had been
cleansed from the stains it had got in the accident, and his left
arm was in a sling. The wound on his head was more of a bruise
than a cut, and was concealed by his thick black hair. Considering
the circumstances he presented a very good appearance. The
princess received him in the drawing-room, and Flavia and Faustina
were with her, but all three were now dressed to go out, so that
the interview was necessarily a short one.

Gouache made a little speech of thanks and tried to forget the
decoction of mallows he had swallowed, fearing lest the
recollection should impart a tone of insincerity to his expression
of gratitude. He succeeded very well, and afterwards attributed
the fact to Donna Faustina's brown eyes, which were not cast down
as they had been when Sant' Ilario had called, but appeared on the
contrary to contemplate the new visitor with singular interest.

"I am sure my husband will not approve of your going so soon,"
said the princess in somewhat anxious tones. It was almost the
first time she had ever known any step of importance to be taken
in her house without her husband's express authority.

"Madame," answered Gouache, glancing from Donna Faustina to his
hostess, "I am in despair at having thus unwillingly trespassed
upon your hospitality, although I need not tell you that I would
gladly prolong so charming an experience, provided I were not
confined to solitude in a distant chamber. However, since our
regimental surgeon pronounces me fit to go home, I have no choice
but to obey orders. Believe me, Madame, I am deeply grateful to
yourself as well as to the Principe Montevarchi for your manifold