The _Farfalla_, anchored at the foot of the water steps in a blaze of sunshine, was dipping up and down in drowsy harmony with the lapping waves; she was for the moment abandoned, Giuseppe being engaged with a nap in the shade of the cypress trees at the end of the drive.

He was so very engaged that he did not hear the sound of an approaching carriage, until the horse was pulled to a sudden halt to avoid stepping on him.

Giuseppe staggered sleepily to his feet and rubbed his eyes.

He saw a gentleman descend, a gentleman clothed as for a wedding, in a frock coat and a white waistcoat, in shining hat and pearl gray gloves and a boutonniere of oleander.

Having paid the driver and dismissed the carriage, the gentleman fumbled in his pocket for his card-case.