Chapter 33: Warm Words Bridge Cruel Distance

⁠​​​‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​​‌​‌​‌​​​​​‌‌‌​​​‌‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​​‌‌‌‌⁠Lady Esmondet, Vaura, and Robert Douglas ate their Christmas dinner quietly together. "I shall feel lonely when you leave Rome," said the priest, as he bade them a warm goodnight.

"Naturally, you will miss us; we are almost a part of your old home," said Lady Esmondet.

"I have no doubt, Roberto, that the Marchmonts will be very kind to you when we are gone," said Vaura, smilingly.

"Yes, she will be g