CHAPTER XII.
Half-past six on the following morning found Constance and her father rising from the breakfast table, and Tony turning in at the gate.
Constance's nod of greeting was barely perceptible, and her father's eye contained a twinkle as he watched her.

Tony studied her mountain-climbing costume with an air of concern.
'You go wif us, signorina ?' His expression was blended of surprise and disapproval, but in spite of himself his tone was triumphant.

'You say to me yesterday you no want to climb any more mountain.' 'I have changed my mind.' 'But zis mountain to-day too long, too high.

You get tired, signorina.
Perhaps anozzer day we take li'l' baby mountain, zen you can go.' 'I am going to-day.' 'It is not possible, signorina.

I have not brought ze donk'.' 'Oh, I'm going to walk.' 'As you please, signorina.' He sighed patiently.