“A little.”

“We will go and have some supper.”

He was now always quiet and decided and remote, very beautiful. He seemed to have some strange, cold power over her.

They went to a restaurant, and drank chianti.

But his pale, wan look did not go away.

“Don't leave me to-night,” he said at length, looking at her, pleading. He was so strange and impersonal, she was afraid.

“But the people of my place,” she said, quivering.

“I will explain to them — they know we are engaged.”

She sat pale and mute. He waited.