And the only thing she talked about was Jerry Junior, how funny and clever and charming he was, how phenomenally good--for a man; when she showed signs of stopping, Mr.Wilder by a question started her on.

It seemed to Constance an interminable two hours before they dropped their guests in the garden of the Hotel du Lac, and headed again for Villa Rosa.
As they approached their own water-steps it became apparent that some one--a man--was standing at the top in an attitude of expectancy.
Constance's heart gave a sudden bound and the next instant sank deep.

A babble of frenzied greetings floated out to meet them; there was no mistaking Gustavo.

Moreover, there was no mistaking the fact that he was excited; his excitement was contagious even before they had learned the reason.

He stuttered in his impatience to share the news.
'Signore! _Dio mio_! A calamity has happened.