Do you remember
that day when I kissed your hand, and when
you so piteously begged me 'never to do that
again'? It was a scoundrelly trick to play, I know;
but you must forgive that; and now I kiss the
paper where I have written your name. So I have
kissed you twice, and both times without your
consent.
"That is all. Good-bye, my dear."
There was no signature, but a verse which they
had learned together as children was written
under the letter:
"Then am I
A happy fly,
If I live
Or if I die."
. . . . .
Half an hour later Martini entered the room,
and, startled out of the silence of half a life-time,
threw down the placard he was carrying and flung
his arms about her.
"Gemma! What is it, for God's sake? Don't
sob like that--you that never cry! Gemma!
Gemma, my darling!"
"Nothing, Cesare; I will tell you afterwards--I
--can't talk about it just now."
She hurriedly slipped the tear-stained letter into
her pocket; and, rising, leaned out of the window
to hide her face.
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