Instead, at a silent signal from Mrs. Lawler, they all three crept away to Myra’s room to discuss Gwen’s latest display of temperament in private. So when the girl opened her eyes, instead of the usual ring of embarrassed faces she found that she was alone. Not even a single member of the tour, those she generally had a few words with, those who merely exchanged a “good night” or “good morning”, those who avoided doing so; not even Billie or Mario, the driver, both of whom usually dined with the tour group and often had local friends in each place of call; not even these symbols of protection were within sight. Gwen sat and shivered inwardly. She might have known what would happen from Jake’s response to her last two telephone calls. But she did not expect to see him so soon. It had been a complete surprise, a horrifying surprise, to see his tall figure, his dark face, black hair, black eyes, blue chin except for that nasty little pointed black beard he now wore, surging towards her from the entrance to the Doge’s Palace as she was making a cautious approach to St.
