III
A face looked over the balcony railing as the gondola halted at the foot of the steps. It smiled with a look of satisfaction, and the owner, reaching for a rose at her belt, dropped it with a quick touch over the balcony edge.
It fell at the feet of the young man stepping from the gondola, and caused him to bend with a deep flush. It touched his lips lightly as he raised himself and lifted his velvet cap to the face above.
She smiled mockingly. "You are late," she said—"two minutes late!"
"I come!" he replied, springing up the steps. In another minute he was beside her, smiling and flushed, looking down at her with deep, intent gaze.
She made a place for him on the divan. "Sit down," she said.
He seated himself humbly, his eyes studying hers.
She smiled lazily and unfurled her fan, covering her face except the eyes. They regarded him over the fringe of feathers.