A moment later, "Pickle Johnny," with the blessing upon his drowsy little person, had been handed back to his uncle, and Vittorio was skillfully making his way out among the thronging craft toward the lagoon, which was swimming in a golden mist.
Pietro rowed in the other direction, and there was a friendly exchange of greetings between the passing gondolas.
"Did you see that?" Geoffry asked, as they came out upon the broad bosom of the Grand Canal.
"Yes; I saw it, Geof," his mother answered; "I feel as if we had all received the benediction."