And that reminds me to-day the picture is on
view to the art-critics and experts for the first time. I prophesy
it will be sold at once!"
"That would make her father happy," said Cyrillon slowly. "But she--
she will not care!"
Aubrey looked at him attentively.
"Have you seen her?"
"Yes. For a moment only. I called at the Sovrani Palace and her
father received me. We talked for some time together. I think he
knows who dealt the murderous blow at his daughter, but he says
nothing positive. He showed me the picture. It is great--sublime! I
could have knelt before it! Then he took me to see Her--and I would
have knelt still more readily! But--she is changed!"
"And--are you?" asked Aubrey with a slight smile.
"Changed? I? No--I shall never change. I loved her at first sight--I
love her still more now. Yet I see the truth--she is broken-
hearted!"
"Time and great tenderness will heal the wound," said Aubrey gently.
"Meanwhile have patience!"
Cyrillon gave him a look more eloquent than speech, and by mutual
consent they said no more on the subject of Angela just then.
Next morning at the American Consulate, Sylvie, Comtesse
Hermenstein, was quietly married by civil law to Aubrey Leigh.
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