cleaned boots had drifted
into the court. It was evident that the American gentleman's departure
was imminent.

The luggage was labelled and hoisted to the roof of the omnibus; they all
drew up in a line with their eyes on the door; but still the young man
did not come. Gustavo, over his shoulder, dispatched a waiter to hunt him
up. The waiter returned breathless. The gentleman was nowhere. He had
searched the entire house; there was not a trace. Gustavo sent the
boot-boy flying down the arbor to search the garden; he was beginning to
feel anxious. What if the gentleman in a sudden fit of melancholia had
thrown himself into the lake? That would indeed be an unfortunate affair!

Constance reassured him, and at the same time she arose. It occurred to
her suddenly that, since the young man was going, there was nothing to be
gained by waiting, and he might think--She picked up her parasol and
started for the gate, but Mr. Wilder hung back; he wanted to see the
matter out.

"Father," said she reproachfully, "it's embarrassing enough for him to
fee all those people without our staying and watching him do it."

"I suppose it is," he acknowledged regretfully, as he resumed his hat and
umbrella and palm leaf fan.

She paused for a second in the gateway.

"_Addio_, Gustavo," she called over her shoulder. "_Don't_ forget the
earrings."

Gustavo bowed twice and turned back with a dazed air to direct the
business in hand. The boot-boy, reappearing, shook his head. No, the
gentleman was not to be found in the garden. The omnibus driver leaned
from his seat and swore.

_Corpo di Bacco_! Did he think the boat would wait all day for the sake
of one passenger? As it was, they were ten minutes late and would have to
gallop every step of the way.

The turmoil of ejaculation and gesture was approaching a climax; when
suddenly, who should come sauntering into the midst of it, but the young
American man himself! He paused to light a cigarette, then waved his hand
aloft toward his leather belongings.

"Take 'em down, Gustavo. Changed my mind; not going to-day--it's too
hot."

Gustavo gasped.

"But, signore, you have paid for your ticket."

"True, Gustavo, but there is no law compelling me to use it. To tell the
truth I find that I am fonder of Valedolmo than I had supposed. There is
something satisfying about the peace and tranquility of the place--one
doesn't realize it till the moment of parting comes. Do you think I can
ob