"But, dear Baron," said the little Princess, "don't you think there was

an affair of the heart after all?" and the little plumes bobbed

sideways.

The Baron laughed again. "The Pope seems to have half of humanity on his

side already--he has the women apparently."

All this time there had risen from the piazza into the room a humming

noise like the swarming of bees, but now a shrill voice came up from the

crowd with the sudden swish of a rocket.

"Look out!"

The young Roman, who had been looking over the balcony, turned his head

back and said: "Donna Roma, Excellency."

But the Baron had gone from the room.

"He knew her carriage wheels apparently," said Don Camillo, and the lips

of the little Princess closed tight as if from sudden pain.

V

The return of the Baron was announced by the faint rustle of a silk

under-skirt and a light yet decided step keeping pace with his own. He

came back with Donna Roma on his arm, and over his coolness and calm

dignity he looked pleased and proud.

The lady herself was brilliantly animated and happy. A certain swing in

her graceful carriage gave an instant impression of perfect health, and

there was physical health also in the brightness of her eyes and the

gaiety of her expression. Her face was lighted up by a smile which

seemed to pervade her whole person and make it radiant with overflowing

joy. A vivacity which was at the same time dignified and spontaneous

appeared in every movement of her harmonious figure, and as she came

into the room there was a glow of health and happiness that filled the

air like the glow of sunlight through a veil of soft red gauze.

She saluted the Baron's guests with a smile that fascinated everybody.

There was a modified air of freedom about her, as of one who has a right

to make advances, a manner which captivates all women in a queen and all

men in a lovely woman.

"Ah, it is you, General Potter? And my dear General Morra? Camillo mio!"

(The Italian had rushed upon her and kissed her hand.) "Sir Evelyn Wise,

from England, isn't it? I'm half an Englishwoman myself, and I'm very

proud of it."

She had smiled frankly into Sir Evelyn's face, and he had smiled back

without knowing it. There was something contagious about her smile. The

rosy mouth with its pearly teeth seemed to smile of itself, and the

lovely eyes had their separate art of smiling. Her lips parted of

themselves, and then you felt your own lips parting.




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