'Yes, Dino. But you would not do it now.'
There was a long silence between them, then he asked abruptly:
'Will your father come back here to fetch you?'
'Yes, dear.'
She had been sitting quite still, watching with saddest eyes the dimpling motion of the water. But his speaking seemed to recall her to herself; she sighed heavily, and stooping, picked up her fallen handkerchief, and knotted it about her throat. Then she pushed her loosened hair back from her temples, smoothing it down with the palms of both hands in a way which was familiar to her: he had watched her do it a hundred times before. She looked up at him, and their eyes met in a long solemn gaze of unspeakable pity and love.
After a moment he took her hand in his very gently and raised it to his lips.
'My good, good little Italia.'
They sat in silence, like two children, holding each other's hands.
*****
After what seemed a long time there was the sound of oars in the distance, and then the shadowy outline of Drea's boat. Dino drew her gently to him. 'It is good-bye, child, God keep you,' he said huskily. Their lips met in a kiss which held the very passion of loss.