“Then of course I shall come with you.”
But Hermione was firm. She knew that to-night the company of this young man would be absolutely unbearable.
“Marchese, indeed I cannot—I cannot allow it. We Englishwomen are very independent, you know. But you may call me a boat and take me down to it, as you are so kind.”
“With pleasure, Signora.”
He went to the open window. At once the boatman’s cry rose up.
“Barca! Barca!”
“That is Andrea’s voice,” said the Marchesino. “I know him. Barca—si!”
The boat began to glide in towards the land.
As they went out the Marchesino said:
“And how is the Signorina?”