'Oh, no! oh, no!' said Nan; and then, conscious that Madge was still regarding her, she added with a desperate effort at composure,—
'We heard some pretty music on the water at Venice. Edith picked up some of the airs. She will play them to you after dinner.'
That same night, as usual, Madge came into Nan's room, just before going off.
'Nan,' she said, looking straight at her, 'what was it upset you about
Frank's reminding you of Bellagio?'
'Bellagio?' repeated Nan, with an effort to appear unconscious, but with her eyes turned away.
'Yes; you know very well.'
'I know that I was thinking of something quite different from anything that Captain King was saying,' Nan said, at length. 'And—and it is of no consequence to you, Madge, believe me.'
Madge regarded her suspiciously for a second, and then said, with an air of triumph,
'At all events, he isn't going to Ireland.'
'Oh, indeed,' Nan answered, gently. 'Well I'm glad; I suppose you prefer his not going?'