The calamity had for the time subdued
her vivacity, though it was easy to see that it had made no deep
impression upon her nature. If the truth were told, she was more
unpleasantly affected by thus suddenly meeting Corona than by her
father's tragic death. She thought it necessary to be more than
usually affectionate, not out of calculation, but rather to get
rid of a disagreeable impression. She sprang forward and kissed
Corona on both cheeks.
"I was longing to see you!" she said enthusiastically. "You have
been so kind to Faustina. I am sure we can never thank you enough.
Imagine, if she had been obliged to spend the night alone in
prison! Such an abominable mistake, too. I hope that dreadful man
will be sent to the galleys. Poor little Faustina! How could any
one think she could do such a thing!"
Corona was not prepared for Flavia's manner, and it grated
disagreeably on her sensibilities. But she said nothing, only
returning her salutation with becoming cordiality before sitting
down between the two sisters. Faustina looked on coldly, disgusted
with such indifference. It struck her that if Corona had not
accompanied her to the Termini, it would have been very hard to
induce any of her own family to do so.
"And poor papa!" continued Flavia volubly.
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