'I suppose they will sooner or later have all our ships and steamers lit with the electric light; and everything will be ghastly white and ghastly black. But do you remember how soft and beautiful the masses of yellow stars were when the boats came along the lake in the darkness? It was indeed a lovely night. And I think we had the best of it--sitting there in the garden. I know I for one didn't miss the music a bit. And then it was still more lovely when the moon rose; and you could see the water, and the mountains on the other side, and even the houses by the shore. I remember there was a bush somewhere near us that scented all the air----' Madge had been regarding her sister closely. 'It must have been a magical night,' she said quickly, 'for Nan's face has got quite white just thinking of it.' He started. A quick glance at the girl beside him showed him that she was indeed pale; her eyes cast down; her hand trembling. Instantly he said, in a confused hurry,-- 'You see, Miss Anne, there was some delay about the concert. One steamer did really come back to Bellagio. We had our serenade all the same--that is to say, any who were awake. You see, they did not intend to swindle you----' 'Oh, no! oh, no!' said Nan; and then, conscious that Madge was still regarding her, she added with a desperate effort at composure,-- 'We heard some pretty music on the water at Venice. Edith picked up some of the airs. She will play them to you after dinner.' That same night, as usual, Madge came into Nan's room, just before going off. 'Nan,' she said, looking straight at her, 'what was it upset you about Frank's reminding you of Bellagio?' 'Bellagio?' repeated Nan, with an effort to appear unconscious, but with her eyes turned away. 'Yes; you know very well.' 'I know that I was thinking of something quite different from anything that Captain King was saying,' Nan said, at length. 'And--and it is of no consequence to you, Madge, believe me.' Madge regarded her suspiciously for a second, and then said, with an air of triumph, 'At all events, he isn't going to Ireland.' 'Oh, indeed,' Nan answered, gently. 'Well I'm glad; I suppose you prefer his not going?' 'It nearly came to a quarrel, I know,' said Madge, frankly. 'I thought it just a bit too cool. At all events, he ought to pretend to care a little for me.' 'Oh, Madge, how can you say such things? Care for you--and he has asked you to be his wife? Could he care for you more than that?' 'He has never even thanked me for not going to the Kenyons' ball,' said Madge, who appeared to imagine that Nan was responsible for everything Captain King did or did not do. 'Surely he would take it for granted you would not go!' remonstrated the elder sister.