“You know we can arrange it all when I come back. Now I’m out of breath with you. I must get calm and clear.”

“Quite! Get calm and clear!”

She was a little offended.

“But you trust me, don’t you?” she said.

“Oh, absolutely!”

She heard the mockery in his tone.

“Tell me, then,” she said flatly; “do you think it would be better if I don’t go to Venice?”

“I’m sure it’s better if you do go to Venice,” he replied in the cool, slightly mocking voice.

“You know it’s next Thursday?” she said.