Page:Blue Magic.djvu/134

 he said; "I waited not till the amulet should summon me, for my heart was sad away from you."

Fen grew rather red.

"I forgot about the amulet," he confessed; "so many exciting things have been happening; but I wanted you just the same—awfully!"

"So here I am," said Siddereticus, smoothing his red sash, "However, I came but to greet you, and must vanish again."

"Oh, not so soon!" cried Fen. "Why, you've only just come!"

Siddereticus glanced uneasily toward Cynthia.

"The signorina illustrissima is painting," said he; "my presence disturbs her."

"She's painting the bay," Fen said. "Please look at it. I haven't seen it."

Obedient, the young man stepped behind Cynthia, and an exclamation of