"
Hesitatingly Diana unfolded the thin sheet and read the few faded lines
it contained.
"CARLO MIO,
"I think the end is coming for Anton and for me. The revolt of the
people is beyond all quelling. My only fear is for Nadine; my only
hope for her ultimate safety lies in Max. If ever, in the time to
come, your silence or your speech can do aught for my child--in the
name of the love you gave me, I beg it of you. In serving her, you
will be serving me.
"SONIA."
Very slowly Diana handed the letter back to Baroni.
"So--that was why," she whispered.
Baroni bent his head.
"That was why. I could not speak. But I did all that lay in my power
to prevent this marriage of yours."
"You did." A wan little smile tilted the corners of her mouth at the
remembrance.
"Afterwards--your happiness was on the knees of the gods!"
"No," said Diana suddenly. "No. It was in my own hands. Had I
believed in Max we should have been happy still. . . . But I failed
him."
A long silence followed. At last she rose, holding out her hands.
"Thank you," she said simply. "Thank you for showing me the letter."
Baroni stooped his head and carried her hands to his lips.
"My dear, we make our mistakes and then we pay. It is always so in
life. Love"--and the odd, clouded voice shook a little--"Love
brings--great happiness--and great pain. Yet we would not be without
it.
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