"
She heard his step outside, hastily locked her despatch-box, threw a
shawl over it, and lay back languidly on her pillows, awaiting him.
XVIII
The following morning, early, a note was brought to Kitty from Madame
d'Estrees:
"Darling Kitty,--Will you join us to-night in an expedition? You
know that Princess Margherita is staying on the Grand Canal?--in
one of the Mocenigo palaces. There is to be a serenata in her honor
to-night--not one of those vulgar affairs which the hotels get up,
but really good music and fine voices--money to be given to some
hospital or other. Do come with us. I suppose you have your own
gondola, as we have. The gondolas who wish to follow meet at the
Piazzetta, weather permitting, eight o'clock. I know, of course,
that you are not going out. But this is
only music!--and for a
charity. One just sits in one's gondola, and follows the music up
the canal. Send word by bearer. Your fond mother,
"Marguerite d'Estrees."
Kitty tossed the note over to Ashe. "Aren't you dining out somewhere
to-night?"
Her voice was listless.
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