'They are good people,' said Vittorio. 'It gives me more pleasure to row them than any persons who ever hired us.'
'Ay, ay!' said his comrade, 'It was a lucky day when we first put an oar in the lake for them, heretics though they be.'
'But they may he converted yet,' said his companion; 'for, as I was saying to Father Francisco last night, if the young signora dies, it is a sad thing to think what will become of her.'
'And what said the good Father?'
'He shook his head,' said Vittorio.
'When Father Francisco shakes his head, he means a great deal,' said his companion.
At this moment a servant appeared on the terrace, to say the ladies were at hand; and very shortly afterwards Lady Annabel Herbert, with her daughter leaning on her arm, descended the steps, and entered the boat. The countenances of the boatmen brightened when they saw them, and they both made their inquiries after the health of Venetia with tenderness and feeling.
'Indeed, my good friends,' said Venetia, 'I think you are right, and the lake will cure me after all.'
'The blessing of the lake be upon you, signora,' said the boatmen, crossing themselves.
Just as they were moving off, came running Mistress Pauncefort, quite breathless. 'Miss Herbert's fur cloak, my lady; you told me to remember, my lady, and I cannot think how I forgot it. But I really have been so very hot all day, that such a thing as furs never entered my head. And for my part, until I travelled, I always thought furs were only worn in Russia. But live and learn, as I say.'