But the crowd closed
around us. I may induce her to stand again, however."
"I hardly think that is likely to happen," Vanno muttered.
"Let him go into the garden, and take half a dozen of the prettiest
views--things we should like to carry away with us," the Princess said,
hastily, as if she were anxious now to be rid of her protege. "When they
are ready, he can send them to us--and the bill."
The Stereo-Mondaine was disposed of, while Angelo took the glass plate
from Vanno, and looked at the picture.
"Do you know the lady, by any chance," he asked lightly, "or did you buy
merely as an admirer of beauty?"
"I--am going to marry her, I hope," said Vanno. "We have been engaged
since last night. I came over early to tell you."
* * * * * * *
There was a pause. Each one seemed waiting for another to break the
silence. Then the cure stepped into the breach.
"I speak from knowledge when I say that the Principino's fiancee is as
good as beautiful--a most rare lady. He is to be congratulated."
"Of course we congratulate him!" Angelo said cordially. He got up and
shook hands warmly with his brother, like an Englishman: then he patted
him affectionately on the shoulder. "Dear boy," he added, "you have
given us a great surprise. But I am sure it is a happy one. And we can
feel for you because of our own happiness, which is so new: though I
think it always will be new. Can we not sympathize, Marie mia?"
"Yes," said the Princess.
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