"A pleasant drive to you, Mr. Leigh," he said, "The view from the
Pincio is considered extremely fine!"
Aubrey made some formal answer and went his way. Gherardi returned
to the studio and resumed his confidential talk with Bonpre, while
one by one the visitors departed, till at last the only persons left
in the vast room were Angela and Florian Varillo, Prince Pietro, and
the two dignitaries of the Church. Florian was irritated, and made
no secret of his irritation to his fair betrothed, with whom he sat
a little apart from the others in the room.
"Do you want a love affair between Sylvie Hermenstein and that
fellow Leigh?" he enquired, "If so, it is probable that your desire
will be gratified!"
Angela raised her delicate eyebrows in a little surprise.
"I have no wish at all in the matter," she answered, "except to see
Sylvie quite happy."
"How very romantic is the friendship between you two women!" said
Varillo somewhat sarcastically, "You wish to see Sylvie happy,--and
the other day she told me she would form her judgment of me by YOUR
happiness! Really, it is most admirable and touching!"
Angela began to feel somewhat puzzled. Petulance and temper were not
in her character, and she was annoyed to see any touch of them in
her lover.
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