; so says the old Italian proverb.
And again, she had heard a friend of her stepfather's say with a laugh
that hope seems cheap food, but is always paid for by those who live on
it.

To act so as to be worthy of happiness, meant to act in such a way that
the reason for each action might be a law for the happiness of all. That
was the Categorical Imperative, and Cecilia believed in it.

Then, if she married Guido, she ought to be sure that all young girls in
her position would marry under the circumstances, and that the majority
of them would be happy. With a return of practical sense from the
regions of philosophy, she asked herself how she should feel if Guido
married some one else, one of the many young girls who were among her
friends. Should she be jealous?

At the mere thought she felt a little dull sinking that was anticipated
disappointment. Yes, she liked him enough, she was fond enough of him to
miss him terribly if he were taken away from her. This was undoubtedly
love, she thought. She could not be happy without that companionship,
though she wished that it might continue all her life, without the
necessity of being married to him.

Of all the other men she had met during the last month, the only one
whom she instinctively understood was Lamberti, but that was different.
It was the understanding of a fear that was sometimes almost abject; it
was the certainty that if he only would, he could lead her anywhere,
make her do anything, direct her as he directed his own hand. When she
had met him in the house of the Vestals, she had been sure that if she
stood a moment longer where he had come upon her, he would take her in
his arms and kiss her, and she would not resist. It was of no use to
argue about it, to tell herself that she would have been safe on a
desert island with Guido's trusted friend; the conviction was strong. At
the Villa Madama, he had made her say what he pleased, go with him where
he chose, tell him her secret. It was too horrible for words. She had
asked him to come to see her at an hour when there would be no visitors,
and she knew that she had meant to see him alone, in spite of her
mother, and even by stealth if need were. When he was out of her sight,
his influence was gone with him, and she thanked heaven that he had not
come, and that he apparently took care never to be alone with her for a
moment now. He had only to look at her in a certain way, and she must
obey him; if he ever touc