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324 BY ORDER OF THE CZAR.

11 Will Dolly come," said Swynford. " and Mrs. Mil- banke?"

" They had better rest a little," said Walter. " We will come back, and I propose that later we spend an hour in St. Mark's. There are some little things Jenny would like to buy, and then we will go over to the Lido and dine."

" You had better place yourself entirely in Walter's hands," said Jenny to Sam.

" Most happy," said Sam. " Walter* give the word ; I am with you."

CHAPTER XLII.

MODERN LOVERS IN ANCIENT VERONA.

THERE is probably no more interesting city in all Italy than Verona, where Shakespeare's " Two Gentlemen " took their walks abroad, and Romeo and Juliet lived, loved and died. Whether the tomb they show you is Juliet's or not, the town is that of the Capulets and the Montagues, and the air pulsates with romantic possibili- ties.

To begin with, the place is delightfully situated on a rapid river ; it is within the mighty shadows of the Alps ; it has a Roman amphitheatre, more complete and beautiful than the Colosseum at Rome ; it is a city of palaces and balconies, of frescoed houses, and narrow, picturesque streets.

Standing in the Piazza del Signori, you feel that not only is that story of Romeo and Juliet possible, but true. At night, meeting there two or three groups of noisy young citizens coming home from some local festival, you may feel assured they will bite their thumbs at each Other.