A gentleman some little distance in front of them turned toward them suddenly, at the sound of her voice; and a movement of the torch-bearer threw the light full upon him for an instant.  Flora hid her face in the lap of Mrs. Delano, who attributed the quick action to her shame at having spoken so audibly.  But placing her hand caressingly on her shoulder, she felt that she was trembling violently.  She stooped toward her, and softly inquired, “What is the matter, dear?”

Flora seized her head with both hands, and, drawing it closer, whispered:  “Take me home, Mamita!  Do take me right home!”

Wondering what sudden caprice had seized the emotional child, she said, “Why, are you ill, dear?”

Flora whispered close into her ear:  “No, Mamita.  But Mr. Fitzgerald is here.”

Mrs. Delano rose very quietly, and, approaching Mr. Green, said:  “My daughter is not well, and we wish to leave.  But I beg you will return as soon as you have conducted us to the carriage.”

But though he was assured by both the ladies that nothing alarming was the matter, when they arrived at their lodgings he descended from the driver’s seat to assist them in alighting.  Mrs. Delano, with polite regrets at having thus disturbed his pleasure, thanked him, and bade him good evening.  She hurried after Flora, whom she found in her room, weeping bitterly.  “Control your feelings, my child,” said she.  “You are perfectly safe here in Italy.”

“But if he saw me, it will make it so very unpleasant for you, Mamita.”

“He couldn’t see you; for we were sitting in very deep shadow,” replied Mrs. Delano.  “But even if he had seen you, I should know how to protect you.”

“But what I am thinking of,” said Floracita, still weeping, “is that he may have brought Rosa with him, and I can’t run to her this very minute.  I must see her!  I will see her!  If I have to tell ever so many fibititas about the reason of my running away.”

“I wouldn’t prepare any fibititas at present,” rejoined Mrs. Delano.  “I always prefer the truth.  I will send for Mr. Percival, and ask him to ascertain whether Mr. Fitzgerald brought a lady with him.  Meanwhile, you had better lie down, and keep as quiet as you can.  As soon as I obtain any information, I will come and tell you.”

When Mr. Percival was informed of the adventure at the Vatican, he sallied forth to examine the lists of arrivals; and before long he returned with the statement that Mr. and Mrs. Fitzgerald were registered among the newcomers.  “Flora would, of course, consider that conclusive,” said he; “but you and I, who have doubts concerning that clandestine marriage, will deem it prudent to examine further.”

“If it should prove to be her sister, it will be a very embarrassing affair,” rejoined Mrs. Delano.

Mr. Percival thought it very unlikely, but said he would ascertain particulars to-morrow.