He paused before he answered:

“Neither, I hope. I hope it may be a prophecy.”

Connie went on with her flowers.

“I had a letter from Father this morning,” she said. “He wants to know if I am aware he has accepted Sir Alexander Cooper’s invitation for me for July and August, to the Villa Esmeralda in Venice.”

“July and August?” said Clifford.

“Oh, I wouldn’t stay all that time. Are you sure you wouldn’t come?”

“I won’t travel abroad,” said Clifford promptly.

She took her flowers to the window.

“Do you mind if I go?” she said. “You know it was promised, for this summer.”