The Place of Honeymoons - Page 52/123

"Come," he said hoarsely; "let us go and find a priest. You are right. I

love you; I will give up everything, everything!"

For a moment she was dumb. This absolute surrender appalled her. But that

good fortune which had ever been at her side stepped into the breach. And

as she saw the tall form of the Barone approach, she could have thrown her

arms around his neck in pure gladness.

"Oh, Barone!" she called. "Am I making you miss this dance?"

"It does not matter, Signorina." The Barone stared keenly at the erect and

tense figure at the prima donna's side.

"You will excuse me, Herr Rosen," said Nora, as she laid her hand upon the

Barone's arm.

Herr Rosen bowed stiffly; and the two left him standing uncovered in the

moonlight.

"What is he doing here? What has he been saying to you?" the Barone

demanded. Nora withdrew her hand from his arm. "Pardon me," said he

contritely. "I have no right to ask you such questions."

It was not long after midnight when the motor-boat returned to its abiding

place. On the way over conversation lagged, and finally died altogether.

Mrs. Harrigan fell asleep against Celeste's shoulder, and the musician

never deviated her gaze from the silver ripples which flowed out

diagonally and magically from the prow of the boat. Nora watched the stars

slowly ascend over the eastern range of mountains; and across the fire of

his innumerable cigarettes the Barone watched her.

As the boat was made fast to the landing in front of the Grand Hotel,

Celeste observed a man in evening dress, lounging against the rail of the

quay. The search-light from the customs-boat, hunting for tobacco

smugglers, flashed over his face. She could not repress the little gasp,

and her hand tightened upon Nora's arm.

"What is it?" asked Nora.

"Nothing. I thought I was slipping."