The sun was setting behind Monte Maggiore, the fishing smacks were coming home, Luigi had long since carried the tea things into the house; but still the two callers lingered on the terrace of Villa Rosa.

It was Lieutenant di Ferara's place to go first since he had come first, and Captain Coroloni doggedly held his post until such time as his junior officer should see fit to take himself off.

The captain knew, as well as every one else at the officers' mess, that in the end the lieutenant would be the favoured man; for he was a son of Count Guido di Ferara, of Turin, and titles are at a premium in the American market.

But still the marriage contract was not signed yet, and the fact remained that the captain had come last; accordingly he waited.
They had been there fully two hours, and poor Miss Hazel was worn with the strain.

She sat nervously on the edge of her chair, and leaned forward with clasped hands listening intently.