The air is always soft and balmy, while here it is so hot sometimes by day, and so damp and foggy in the evening.

I shall be glad to go back again." "And you, Maria ?" "I shall be very happy there, father, but I like Venice best." "You are getting to an age to enjoy gaiety, Maria; and it is natural you should do so.

However, it will not be necessary for you to be long absent.

In a city like Venice there are always fresh subjects for talk, and the most exciting piece of scandal is but a three days' wonder.

A few weeks at Corfu will restore your nerves, which cannot but have been shaken by what you have gone through, and you will come back here more disposed than ever to appreciate the gaieties of Venice." "As long as it is for only a few weeks, father, I shall not care; for you know I am very fond, too, of our beautiful home there.