Nanny had exclaimed with horror when she undressed and she saw the heavy bruise on her shoulder where Nicolaes had struck her twice.
Lela guessed that by this time it would gradually be turning black.
She was thankful that he had not hit her in the face, as he had intended. At the same time it was growing more and more painful even to play the piano.
She finished the piece and rose a little uncertainly to her feet.
“Please go on playing,” the Count proposed. “I am charmed by your music, as I am charmed by you.”
He spoke in a low voice so that the Marquis and the Vicomtesse would not overhear, but Lela moved away from him and said to the Marquis,
“Please – although it has been a lovely evening – I think now I should go – back to the yacht.”
The Marquis rose to his feet.
“I am sure y
