While passing across Grosvenor Square, she had been suddenly seized with excitement, for her quick eyes caught sight of a red, white, and green flag, hanging limp and motionless from a flagstaff upon one of the largest houses. "Look! There's our Italian flag! Why is it there?" she cried, thrilled at sight of her own national colours. "That's the Embassy," he replied. "I suppose today is some anniversary or other in Italy." "The Embassy!" she repeated, turning again to look at it. "Is that where Count Castellani lives?" "Yes. He's your Ambassador. Do you know him?" "I met him once in Florence. He was at a ball at the Strossi Palace." "Then you know Prince Strossi?" he exclaimed. "Quite well," she answered. "The Strossis and my family have long been acquainted." Her prompt reply made it apparent to him that she had moved in the most exclusive set in Florence. She had never before mentioned that she was acquainted with people of note. But next instant he recollected the strange story which the Florentine Doctor had told him on the previous afternoon. Had not Malvano declared that her family was an undesirable one to know? What, he wondered, was the reason of this curious denunciation? Again she fixed her eyes upon the Embassy, and seemed as though she were taking careful observation of its appearance and position. "Did you go much into society in Florence?" he inquired presently. "Only when I was forced to," she answered ambiguously. "I do not care for it." "Then you will not fret even if, after our marriage, you know only a few people?" The word "marriage" caused her to start. It brought back to her the hideous truth that even now, after he had brought her to England, their union was impossible. "No," she answered, glancing at him with eyes full of love and tenderness. "I should always be happy with you alone, Nino. I should want no other companion." "You would soon grow dull, I fear," he said, taking her hand in his. "No, never--never," she declared. "You know well how I love you, Nino." "And I adore you, darling," he answered. Then, after looking at her in hesitation for a moment, he added. "But you speak as though you still fear that we shall not marry. Why is that?" He had not failed to notice her sudden change of manner when he had spoken of marriage. "I really don't know," she answered, with a forced laugh. "I suppose it is but a foolish fancy, yet sometimes I think that this happiness is too complete to be lasting." "What causes you to fear this?" he asked earnestly. "When I reflect upon the unhappiness of the past," she said with a sigh--"when I remember how bitter was my life, how utterly blank and hopeless was the world prior to our meeting, I cannot rid myself of the apprehension that my plans, like all my others, will be thwarted by the one great secret of my past; that all my castles are merely air-built; that your love for me, Nino, will soon wane, and we shall part."