* * * * *
In those days the Lido was still a noble and solitary shore, without the
degradations of to-day.
Kitty walked fast and furiously across the sandy road, and over the
shingles, turning, when she reached the firm sand, southward towards
Malamocco. It was between four and five, and the autumn afternoon was
fast declining. A fresh breeze was on the sea, and the short waves,
intensely blue under a wide, clear heaven, broke in dazzling foam on the
red-brown sand.
She seemed to be alone between sea and sky, save for two figures
approaching from the south--a fisher-boy with a shrimping-net and a man
walking bareheaded. She noticed them idly. A mirage of sun was between
her and them, and the agony of remorse and despair which held her
blunted all perceptions.
Thus it was that not till she was close upon him did her dazzled sight
recognize Geoffrey Cliffe.
He saw her first, and stopped in motionless astonishment on the edge of
the sand. She almost ran against him, when his voice arrested her.
"Lady Kitty!"
She put her hand to her breast, wavered, and came to a stand-still.
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