They both got up. Therese and Anna were approaching arm-in-arm, one all in white, the other in a black dress, which falling to the ground in wide folds completely hid her figure. The couples met by the fountain.
Demeter kissed Anna's hand. "What a beautiful spot I have the good fortune to see you again in, my dear lady."
"It is a pleasant surprise to me, too," replied Anna, "quite apart from the scenery."
"Do you know," said George to Anna, "that these good people are travelling off again to-morrow?"
"Yes, Therese has told me."
"We want to see as much as possible," explained Demeter, "and so far as my recollection goes the other lakes in upper Italy are even more magnificent than the one here."
"I don't know anything about the others," said Anna. "We haven't done them yet."
"Well, perhaps you will take the opportunity," said Demeter, "and make up a party with us for a little tour: Bellaggio, Pallanza, Isola Bella."
Anna shook her head. "It would be very nice but unfortunately I can't get about enough. Yes, I am incredibly lazy. There are whole days when I never go out of the grounds. But if George fancies running away from me for a day or two, I don't mind at all."
"I have no intention at all of running away from you," said George. He threw a quick glance at Therese, whose eyes were sparkling and laughing.