"David," said the voice, "when this shall come to your hands ... in my

great distress of mind ... do not trifle with my request ... but

whatever you decide to do ... be gentle with the child ... remember

that ... Adieu, my son ... the end is near ... if death does not

annihilate ... those who remain on earth ... a helper and advocate in

heaven ... Adieu!" And interrupting these broken words were half-smothered

cries and sobs from David Rossi, repeating again and again: "I will!

I swear to God I will!"

Elena could bear the pain no longer, and mustering up her courage she

tapped at the door. It was a gentle tap, and no answer was returned. She

knocked louder, and then an angry voice said: "Who's there?"

"It's I--Elena," she answered timidly. "Is anything the matter? Aren't

you well, sir?"

"Ah, yes," came back in a calmer voice, and after a shuffling sound as

of the closing of drawers, David Rossi opened the door and came out.

As he crossed the threshold he cast a backward glance into the dark

room, as if he feared that some invisible hand would touch him on the

shoulder. His face was pale and beads of perspiration stood on his

forehead, but he smiled, and in a voice that was a little hoarse, yet

fairly under control, he said: "I'm afraid I've frightened you, Elena."

"You're not well, sir. Sit down, and let me run for some cognac."

"No! It's nothing! Only...."

"Take this glass of water, sir."

"That's good! I'm better now, and I'm ashamed. Elena, you mustn't think

any more of this, and whatever I may do in the future that seems to you

to be strange, you must promise me never to mention it."

"I needn't promise you that, sir," said Elena.

"Bruno is a brave, bright, loyal soul, Elena, but there are times...."

"I know--and I'll never mention it to anybody. But you've taken a chill

on the roof at sunset looking at the illuminations--that's all it is!

The nights are frosty now, and I was to blame that I didn't send out

your cloak."

Then she tried to be cheerful, and turning to the sleeping boy, said: "Look! He was naughty again and wouldn't go to bed until you came out to

carry him."

"The dear little man!" said David Rossi. He stepped up to the couch, but

his pale face was preoccupied, and he looked at Elena again and said: "Where does Donna Roma live?"




readonlinefreebook.com Copyright 2016 - 2024