"I wouldn't pay them a farthing till I got my box," said Mrs. Greene.

"That's nonsense," said Sophonisba. And so it was. "Hold your
tongue, Miss!" said the step-mother.

"Indeed, I shall not hold my tongue," said the step-daughter. Poor
Greene! He had lost more than his box within the last twelve months;
for, as I had learned in that whispered conversation over the tea-
table with Sophonisba; this was in reality her papa's marriage trip.

Another day was now gone, and we all went to bed. Had I not been very
foolish I should have had myself called at five in the morning, and
have gone away by the early boat, leaving my ten napoleons behind me.
But, unfortunately, Sophonisba had exacted a promise from me that I
would not do this, and thus all chance of spending a day or two in
Venice was lost to me. Moreover, I was thoroughly fatigued, and
almost glad of any excuse which would allow me to lie in bed on the
following morning. I did lie in bed till nine o'clock, and then found
the Greenes at breakfast.

"Let us go and look at the Serbelloni Gardens," said I, as soon as the
silent meal was over; "or take a boat over to the Sommariva Villa."

"I should like it so much," said Sophonisba.

"We will do nothing of the kind till I have found my property," said
Mrs. Greene. "Mr. Robinson, what arrangement did you make yesterday
with the police at Como?"