“Come along!” Hermione cried, with decision. “Come, Vere! I’m very sorry, Marchese, but we must really get back at once. Good-night, Emile! Gaspare give me your arm.”
And she set off at once, clinging to Gaspare, who held an open umbrella over her.
“Good-night, Vere!” said Artois.
The girl was looking at him with surprised eyes.
“You are going—”
“I shall take the tram.”
“Oh—of course. That is your quickest way.”
“Signorina—the umbrella!”
The Marchesino was offering his arm to conduct Vere to the launch. He cast a challenging look of triumph at Artois.
“I would come in the launch,” Artois said hastily. “But—Good-night!”