Supposing
Darrell's prophecy, which had seemed to her so absurd, came true, that
the book did William harm, not good--that he ceased to love her--that he
cast her off?...
... A plash of water outside, and a voice giving directions. From the
lagoon towards Malamocco a gondola approached. A gentleman and lady were
seated in it. The lady--a very handsome Italian, with a loud laugh and
brilliant eyes--carried a scarlet parasol. Kitty gave a stifled cry as
she drew back. She fled out of the room and overtook the other two.
"May we go back into the garden a little?" she said, hurriedly, to the
monk who was talking to William. "I should like to see the view towards
Venice."
William held up a watch, to show that there was but just time to get
back to the Piazza, for lunch. Kitty persisted, and the monk,
understanding what the impetuous young lady wished, good-naturedly
turned to obey her.
"We must be
very quick!" said Kitty. "Take us please, to the edge,
beyond the trees."
And she herself hurried through the garden to its farther side, where it
was bounded by the lagoon.
The others followed her, rather puzzled by her caprice.
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