"No," rejoined his champion with decision, "for although it is a perfectly harmless friendship, I draw the line at followers."
After the boat had carried her visitor away, Mrs. De Wolfe remained for a long time buried in profound meditation; then she rose, went into the hotel, despatched a prepaid wire to Florence, and give notice of her intending departure.
The next morning as the little party were at déjeuner, Mrs. De Wolfe received a telegram. Having read it, she laid it aside and said: "Well that's all right, we have got our rooms! Nancy, prepare to march on Florence, the day after to-morrow!"
"You are not serious!" exclaimed Sir Dudley, setting down an untasted glass.
"Perfectly serious, I wonder that I was not away long before this! My campaigns, like Napoleon's, are rapidly organized."
"But you have no campaign."
"No! but what about Nancy?"
"Beginning with this forced march, Auntie Wolfe, I wonder you can exchange this lovely clear air, for the gloomy streets of Florence."
Mrs. De Wolfe laughed, and said: "I am tired of looking out on water; in my hotel, which is not on the Lung' Arno, I can lie at my ease in a comfortable bed, and stare at the Duomo; think of that!"
Dudley realized how foolish it was to argue with Auntie Wolfe at present, but when Nancy had departed to give instructions to her maid, and the old lady was alone, he said: