"Same here. Tour round, chucking flowers at unsuspecting people. It's a bore that you and I can't play about together," moodily. "But we've got a female relative of Uncle Philip's on our hands--a wealthy old cousin, name of 'Great Expectations,'" with a cheerful grin. "So I've got to trot her round and do the devoted nephew stunt all day." "I hope you'll do it nicely"--smiling. "I shall hear of it from Uncle Philip if I don't!"--grimly. "But you needn't worry. I got all my best manners down from the top shelf this morning and gave 'em a brush up." "Good boy." Ann nodded approval. "And by way of reward," insinuated Tony, "you'll come to the dance at the Gloria this evening, won't you? I could come over and fetch you about ten o'clock, after this precious Venetian fête is over. I'd have liked to go on the lake, but Uncle Philip has ordained that we are to watch the proceedings from our balcony at the Gloria. After that, I should think 'cousin' will be sufficiently exhausted to contemplate the idea of retiring to bed like a Christian woman. She's seventy-nine." "People fox-trot at seventy-nine nowadays," suggested Ann mischievously. "Perhaps your duties won't end at ten." Then, seeing his face fall: "But I'll come to the dance, if Lady Susan doesn't happen to want me this evening." At that moment Lady Susan herself came into the room. She still limped a little, leaning on an ebony stick with a gold knob. "Who's taking my name in vain?" she asked, as she shook hands with Tony. "I'm sure to want you," addressing Ann, "but I suppose I shall have to go without you if Tony wants you too." Ann explained about the dance, adding: "But of course I shan't think of it if you'd rather I stayed at home." "Of course you _will_ think of it," contradicted Lady Susan with vigour. "I'd go myself if it wasn't for this wretched ankle of mine, and then"--bubbling over--"Philip and I could tread a stately measure together. I can just see him doing it!" she added wickedly. "That's fixed, then," said Tony. "So long. I'll call for you about ten o'clock, Ann." After lunch Lady Susan and Ann drove off in the two-seater, Ann at the wheel and a great basket of flowers for ammunition purposes on the floor of the car. The streets were thronged with people, and from almost every window depended flags and coloured streamers, flapping gaily in the breeze. Cars hastened hither and thither; some, elaborately decorated, were evidently intended to compete for the prizes offered, whilst others, like that of Lady Susan, were only sufficiently embellished to permit of their taking part in the Battle of Flowers, in accordance with the official regulations issued for the occasion.