Volume IV Part 104 (1/2)
When the company broke up I offered my hand to Hebe, and escorted her and her sister to their rooun to read Fontenelle's ”Plurality of Worlds,” and I had thought we should finish it that night; but Cleet up early, she would want to get to sleep early also
”You are right, dearest Hebe, do you go to bed, and I will read to you”
She an to read the history of the Spanish princess who fell in love with Bradaht that by the time I had finished Clementine would be ardent, but I was mistaken; both she and her sister seemed pensive
”What is the matter with you, dearest? Has Ricciardetto displeased you?”
”Not at all, he has pleased me, and in the princess's place I should have done the saht, and it is your fault”
”What have I done, pray?”
”Nothing, but you can reat proof of your friendshi+p”
”Speak, then What is it you want ofto please you My life is yours You shall sleep soundly”
”Well, then, tell us where we are going to-morrow”
”Have I not already said that I would tell you just as we are going?”
”Yes, but that won't do We want to kno, and if you won't tell us we shan't sleep, all night, and we shall look frightful to-morrow”
”I should be so sorry, but I don't think that you could look frightful”
”You don't think we can keep a secret It is nothing very important, is it?”
”No, it is not very important, but all the same it is a secret”
”It would be dreadful if you refused ? I confess freely that I have been wrong in keeping you waiting so long Here is my secret: you are to dine with me to-morrow”
”With you? Where?”
”Milan”
In their i for their state of undress, threw their arms round my neck, covered me with kisses, clasped me to their breasts, and finally sat down on my knees
”We have never seen Milan,” they cried, ”and it has been the dream of our lives to see that splendid town How often I have been put to the blush when I have been forced to confess that I have never been to Milan”
”It makes me very happy,” said Hebe, ”butof the town, for we shall have to return after dinner It is cruel! Are we to go fifteen ain? At least we must see our sister-in-law”
”I have foreseen all your objections, and that was the reason I ed You don't like it? Speak and tell me your pleasure”
”Of course we like it, dear Iolas The party will be char, and perhaps, if we knew all, the very conditions are all for the best”
”It may be so, but I may not tell you any more now”