attractions innumerable during the course of the day, followed in the
evening by a Venetian fete on the waters of the bay.

Tony looked in at Villa Mon Reve shortly after breakfast.

"Taking any part in the proceedings?" he inquired conversationally.

Ann shook her head.

"We've had the car decorated in honour of the occasion," she replied. "But
we're not competing for any prize. I expect we shall just drive about the
town."

"Same here. Tour round, chucking flowers at unsuspecting people. It's a
bore that you and I can't play about together," moodily. "But we've got a
female relative of Uncle Philip's on our hands--a wealthy old cousin, name
of 'Great Expectations,'" with a cheerful grin. "So I've got to trot her
round and do the devoted nephew stunt all day."

"I hope you'll do it nicely"--smiling.

"I shall hear of it from Uncle Philip if I don't!"--grimly. "But you
needn't worry. I got all my best manners down from the top shelf this
morning and gave 'em a brush up."

"Good boy." Ann nodded approval.

"And by way of reward," insinuated Tony, "you'll come to the dance at the
Gloria this evening, won't you? I could come over and fetch you about ten
o'clock, after this precious Venetian fete is over. I'd have liked to go on