She was ascending the steps of the loggia, and she
paused a moment in the full glare of the Sicilian sunshine, her
wonderful gold hair shining in it with the hue of a daffodil.

"I think not!" she said--"Though of course it depends on the use he
makes of it. He--like all men--wishes to destroy; I, like all women,
wish to create!"

One or two of the workmen who were busy polishing the rose-marble
pilasters of the loggia, here saluted her--she returned their
salutations with an enchanting smile.

"How delightful it all is!" she said--"I feel the real use of dollars
at last! This beautiful 'palazzo,' in one of the loveliest places in
the world--all the delicious flowers running down in garlands to the
very shore of the sea-and liberty to enjoy life as one wishes to enjoy
it, without hindrance or argument--without even the hindrance and
argument of--love!" She laughed, and gave a mirthful upward glance at
the Marchese's somewhat sullen countenance. "Come and have luncheon
with me! You are the major-domo for the present--you have engaged the
servants and you know the run of the house--you must show me everything
and tell me everything! I have quite a nice chaperone--such a dear old
English lady 'of title' as they say in the 'Morning Post'--so it's all
quite right and proper--only she doesn't know a word of Italian and
very little French. But that's quite British you know!"

She passed, smiling, into the house, and he followed.

CHAPTER VII

Perhaps there is no lovelier effect in all nature than a Sicilian
sunset, when the sky is one rich blaze of colour and the sea below
reflects every vivid hue as in a mirror,--when the very air breathes
voluptuous indolence, and all the restless work of man seems an
impertinence rather than a necessity. Morgana, for once in her quick
restless life, felt the sudden charm of sweet peace and holy
tranquility, as she sat, or rather reclined at ease in a long lounge
chair after dinner in her rose-marble loggia facing the sea and
watching the intense radiance of the heavens burning into the still
waters beneath. She had passed the afternoon going over her whole house
and gardens, and to the Marchese Giulio Rivardi had expressed herself
completely satisfied,--while he, to whom unlimited means had been
entrusted to carry out her wishes, wondered silently as to the real
extent of her fortune, and why she should have spent so much in
restoring a "palazzo" for herself alone. An occasio