He took Paolina’s cold hand and raised it to his lips.
“The night was dark and empty and suddenly it is sunrise,” he said softly.
“We came back,” Sir Harvey explained, “because we found a very important communication awaiting us on our return home. It was news recalling me to my own country and it means that we may have to leave Venice immediately. After your kindness we could not be so ungrateful as to depart without saying ‘farewell’.”
“You are leaving Venice!”
It was quite obvious that the Conte was stricken by this information. He even seemed to go quite pale.
“I regret the necessity,” Sir Harvey answered, “and my sister is desolated that she must leave our new-found friends.”
“But you cannot go! It is impossible!” the Conte exclaimed. He glanced round him. “Come with me. I must
