"Why, I shall be disguised too, you know."
"Oh, what delicious nonsense you do talk! Sit down here and tell me what you are going to wear."
She tried to pull him back to the sofa. "What character shall you go in?"
"No, no," he said, resisting the gentle traction. "I can't; I have urgent business down-town."
"Oh! Business in Florence!"
"Well, if I stayed, I should tell you what disguise I'm going to the ball in."
"I knew it was that. What do you think would be a good character for me?"
"I don't know. The serpent of old Nile would be pretty good for you."
"Oh, I know you don't think it!" she cried fondly. She had now let him take her hand, and he stood holding it at arm's-length. Effie Bowen came into the room. "Good-bye," said Imogene, with an instant assumption of society manner.
"Good-bye," said Colville, and went out.