As he followed his companion across the plank, there came dully from the hills the first low growl of the pent storm. The sound struck for him a strange contrast with the prattle he had perforce been listening to.
"Thunder," said Zuleika over her shoulder.
"Evidently," he answered.
Half-way up the stairs to the roof, she looked round. "Aren't you coming?" she asked.
He shook his head, and pointed to the raft in front of the barge. She quickly descended.
"Forgive me," he said, "my gesture was not a summons. The raft is for men."
"What do you want to do on it?"
"To wait there till the races are over."
"But—what do you mean? Aren't you coming up on to the roof at all? Yesterday—"
"Oh, I see," said the Duke, unable to repress a smile. "But to-day I am not dressed for a flying-leap."
Zuleika put a finger to her lips. "Don't talk so loud. Those women up there will hear you. No one must ever know I knew what was going to happen. What evidence should I have that I tried to prevent it? Only my own unsupported word—and the world is always against a woman. So do be careful. I've thought it all out. The whole thing must be SPRUNG on me. Don't look so horribly cynical . . . What was I saying? Oh yes; well, it doesn't really matter. I had it
