"The moon is casting poor Venus in the shade."
"Ah, yes, she is wise to retire before the moon! Listen, Ragna, to-morrow the moon will be full,—you must give me the evening, we shall go to see the Colosseum by moonlight!"
"The evening? Oh, never! It would be impossible! It is bad enough for me to be out alone as late as this; Fru Bjork does not like it, I shall be scolded when I go in."
"You can manage it well enough, if you want to. Think of it! The Colosseum by moonlight—and there is no possible danger from malaria at this time of year."
"It would be lovely," she said wistfully, "but I don't see how I could—"
"Oh, easily! At dinner you say you have a headache and go to your room, and when all the people are in the drawing-room, you slip out quietly and I shall be waiting for you below."
"But how could I get in again?"
Mirko smiled at her simplicity.
"Tell the chambermaid you will give her a little present if she sits up for you."
"But will she?"