The night was somewhat cooler now, for the bursting of the great meteor seemed to have cleared the air.

Or perhaps the gentle breeze that had sprung up, blowing from the open sea, tempered its stifling heat.
So it came about that although it grew late many people were gathered on the _rivas_ or on the balconies of the fine houses which they passed, for the most part doubtless discussing the travelling star that had been seen in the sky.

Or perhaps they had already heard rumours of the strange visitor who had come to Venice, although, however fast such news may fly, this seemed scarcely probable.

At the least there they were, men and women, talking earnestly together, and about them the three Englishmen noted a strange thing.
As their boat slipped by, some influence seemed to pass from it to the minds of all these people.

Their talk died out, and was succeeded by a morne and heavy silence.