And in this he was right, for Beatrice had made up her mind to be thoroughly disagreeable and she possessed the elements of success requisite for that purpose--a sharp tongue, a quick instinct and great presence of mind.
San Miniato descended the stairs and strolled out into the orange garden, looking at his watch as he left the door of the hotel.

It was very hot, but further away from the house the sea breeze was blowing through the trees.

He was still smoking the cigarette he had lighted upstairs, and he sat down on a bench in the shade, took out a pocket book and began to make notes.

From time to time he looked along the path in the direction of the hotel, which was hidden from view by the shrubbery.

Then the clock struck twelve and a few minutes later the church bells began to ring, as they do half a dozen times a day in Italy on small provocation.