At that moment she felt as if she were much older than he was.

They slipped down to the sea without attracting the attention of
Gaspare, got into the little boat, and rowed gently out towards
Nisida.

"I feel like a contrabandista," said Artois, as they stole under the
lee of the island towards the open sea--"as if Gaspare would fire upon
us if he heard the sound of oars."

"Quick! Quick! Let us get away. Pull harder, Monsieur Emile! How slow
you are!"

Laughingly Artois bent to the oars.

"Vere, you are a baby!" he said.

"And what are you, then, I should like to know?" she answered, with
dignity.

"I! I am an old fellow playing the fool."

Suddenly his gayety had evaporated, and he was conscious of his years.
He let the boat drift for a moment.

"Check me another time, Vere, if you see me inclined to be buffo," he
said.

"Indeed I won't. Why should I? I like you best when you are quite