But of any closer
admirer he never gathered the slightest rumour, till one afternoon,
just when the sun was sinking in full crimson glory behind the dome
of St. Peter's, he saw her carriage come to a sudden halt on the
Pincio and she herself leaned out of it to shake hands with, and
talk to a tall fair man, who seemed to be on exceptionally friendly
terms with her. It is true she was accompanied in the carriage by
the famous Sovrani,--but that fact did not quell the sudden flame of
jealousy which sprang up in Fontenelle's mind--for both ladies
appeared equally charmed with the fair man, and their countenances
were radiant with pleasure and animation all the time they were in
conversation with him. When the carriage resumed its round again,
the Marquis sauntered by a side path where he could take quiet
observation of his apparent rival, who walked past him with a firm
light step, looking handsome, happy, and amazingly confident. There
was an old man raking the path, and of him Fontenelle asked
carelessly,
"Do you know who that gentleman is?"
The gardener looked up and smiled.
"Ah, si, si! Il Signor Inglese! Molto generoso! Il Signor Aubri
Lee!"
Aubrey Leigh! A "celebrity" then,--an English author;--not that all
English authors are considered "celebrities" in Rome.
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