As you seem so well informed, perhaps you know why she is coming to Venice ?' The Countess had suddenly become grave and thoughtful.

She made no reply.

The two strangely associated companions, having reached one extremity of the square, were now standing before the church of St.
Mark.

The moonlight was bright enough to show the architecture of the grand cathedral in its wonderful variety of detail.

Even the pigeons of St.Mark were visible, in dark closely packed rows, roosting in the archways of the great entrance doors.
'I never saw the old church look so beautiful by moonlight,' the Countess said quietly; speaking, not to Francis, but to herself.
'Good-bye, St.Mark's by moonlight! I shall not see you again.' She turned away from the church, and saw Francis listening to her with wondering looks.