She reflected for a moment; then, without responding, rose, rang the bell, and told the man-servant, who entered resplendent in the blue Funaro livery, to bring her visitor some wine. "You must be half famished after your journey," she exclaimed. She was standing before him in a white gown, white from head to foot. "I must really apologise for not being more hospitable, Nino." "I'm really not hungry," he replied. Then he added, "You didn't answer my question." "I was reflecting," she responded slowly. "I don't know whether it is wise at this juncture for you to return to England, into the very midst of your enemies." "You haven't yet explained who my enemies are, beyond urging me to be wary of Malvano. True, that man has lied to me about you. He told me a silly, romantic, and wholly fictitious story regarding your parentage; but, after all, he may have been mistaken, especially as it was in answer to my inquiry whether he knew any one named Fanetti in Florence." "Malvano was well aware that I had used that name more than once," his well-beloved replied. "He wilfully deceived you for his own purpose. He wished to part us." "Why? He is surely not in love with you?" "Certainly not," she answered, laughing at such an idea. "His object was not jealousy." "Then he is actually my enemy?" "Yes," she replied. "Avoid him. If you desire to return to England with me, I will allow you to do so with one stipulation. The moment we set foot in London we must part. If it were known that we were together, all my plans would be frustrated." "And I am to leave you to the mercy of these mysterious enemies of yours?" he observed dubiously. "It is imperative. You must leave London instantly and go away into the country. Malvano must not know that you are in England. Go to your uncle's in Berkshire, and wait there until I can with safety communicate with you." "But all this is extraordinary," he said mystified, taking from her hand the glass of wine she had poured out for him. "I must confess myself still puzzled at finding you mistress of his magnificent palace, and yet existing in deadly fear of mysterious enemies." He knew nothing of her connexion with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and only regarded her as a wealthy woman whose caprice it had been to masquerade, and who had earned a wide reputation for gaiety and recklessness. "Some day, before long, you shall know the whole truth, Nino," she assured him in deep earnestness. "When you do, you will be amazed--astounded, as others will be. I know I act strangely, without any apparent motive. I know you have heard evil of me on every hand, yet you still trust me," and again she looked into his eyes; "yet you still love me."