The starlight was very bright and the air so clear that the lights of Naples shone out distinctly, the beginning of the chain of sparks that lies like a necklace round the sea from Posilippo to Castellamare.

The air was soft and dry, so that there was not the least moisture on the gunwale of the boat.

Every one was silent.
Then on a sudden there was a burst of music.

San Miniato had prepared it as a surprise, and the two musicians had passed unnoticed where they sat in the bows, hidden from sight by the foresail so soon as the boat was under way.

Only a mandolin and a guitar, but the best players of the whole neighbourhood.