"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."