The light flickered again and was gone. Marc felt himself begin to drift.
"Goodbye...."
"Marc!" the voice cried.
Marc looked up to find Julie bending over him. He was relieved to note that she now appeared fully dressed.
"Oh, can you ever forgive me?" Julie said. "It was Mario who suggested I take the jewels to the country—in case he needed them for the portrait. And when we were out by the stream this afternoon...."
"Never mind," Marc said. "It's all over now, let's forget it. Will you help me up?"
Taking his arm, Julie guided him to his feet.
"Look, dear," she said, "couldn't you drive back to the country with me? A few days vacation wouldn't hurt too much, surely. You'd like to, wouldn't you?"
"I'd love to," Marc said suddenly. He took her hand in his. "Let's go."