"I do not understand you," she said. "Papa's wishes will always be for
my happiness; why should I think of thwarting them?"

"Why, indeed? And again, why? It is my advice to you, my little
daughter, whether you think your father's wishes are for your happiness
or not--because, you know, sometimes fathers and daughters have
different ideas--do not go against his will."

The hot blood mounted to Natalie's forehead--for the first time during
this interview.

"Are you predicting strife, signore? I owe obedience to my father, I
know it; but I am not a child. I am a woman, and have my own wishes. My
papa would not think of thwarting them."

"Natalushka, you must not be angry with me."

"I am not angry, signore; but you must not suppose that I am quite a
child."

"Pardieu, non!" said Calabressa. "I expected to find Natalushka; I find
Natalie--ah, Heaven! that is the wonder and the sadness of it to me! I
think I am talking to your mother: these are her hands. I listen to her
voice: it seems twenty years ago. And you have a proud spirit, as she
had: again I say--do not thwart your father's wishes, Natalie--rather,
Natalushka!"

He spoke with such an obvious kindness and earnestness that she could
not feel offended.

"And if you want any one to help you at any time, my little
daughter--for who knows the ways of the world, and what may happen?--if
your father is sent away, and you are alone, and you want some one to do
something for you, then this is what you will say to yourself: 'There is
that old fool Calabressa, who has nothing in the world to do but smoke
cigarettes and twirl his mustache--I will send for Calabressa.' And this
I promise, little one, that Calabressa will very soon be at your feet."

"I thank you signore."

"It is true, I may be away on duty, as your father might be; but I have
friends at head-quarters; I have done some service. And if I were to
say, 'Calabressa wishes to be relieved from duty; it is the daughter of
Natalie Berezolyi who demands his presence,' I know the answer:
'Calabressa will proceed at once to obey the commands of the daughter of
Natalie Berezolyi.'"

"But who--"

"No, my little daughter, you must not ask that. I will tell you only
that they are all-powerful; that they will protect you--with Calabressa
as their agent; and before I leave this city I will give you my address,
or rather I will give you an address where you will find some one who
will guide you to me. May Hea