Marion made no reply to Richard. But he walked beside Ellen on their way back to the hotel, while Richard helped Irma find a way through the throng.
"What a quiet, orderly crowd!" cried Aunt Caroline, "and to-day their Fourth of July!"
"It's only after they have crossed the Atlantic that foreigners grow uproarious. There seems to be more law and order over here."
The Lungarno was packed with people when they reached the hotel, so all went upstairs to Aunt Caroline's room, that overlooked the river and the boat from which the fireworks were sent off. There were one or two set pieces, the chorus on the large float sang several part songs, and at intervals showers of stars of all colors fell from the Roman candles and rockets sent up from the boats.
It was late when they began to separate. "Where is Marion?" asked Aunt Caroline, when the lights were turned on, and the others came to bid her good night.
"He must have gone to his room," said Uncle Jim. "I noticed half an hour ago that he was not here."
"Perhaps he didn't like the noise," said Richard, with what sounded like a slight shade of sarcasm. "His nerves are not very strong."
The next morning, when Irma went to breakfast, none of the older members of her party were at the table, and Marion, too, was missing.