the truth of Thea's speech, Dr.
Raymond agreed with her request. A few moments later, climbing up the
hill, they rejoined the other guests.

From the ground, smiling up at her in a teasing fashion usual in their
relation to each other, Carlo at the same time was saying to Bianca
Zoli:

"Sure you are not especially glad to be going home, Bianca, chiefly
because I am so soon to follow you? I've an idea you would be very
unhappy if we were parting for any length of time. Nicht war?"

Bianca shook her head, smiling and at the same time frowning.

"Under those circumstances, I should simply have tried to bear my
departure bravely, Carlo, as one who has been through a good many
experiences as a Red Cross girl in time of war. But don't speak German
even in fun. Some day I may learn to dislike the language less, but not
at present. Moreover, I do not look forward to seeing a great deal of
Mr. Carlo Navara even if we are both again to be in the United States.
You will be very busy with your career and will probably soon be a more
famous person than you were before you entered the United States army,
while I, well I shall work hard in my way, although I shall continue to
remain an obscure person."

"I don't know, Bianca, suppose some day you condescended to marry me.
Wouldn't you like to share my fame?"

Bianca shook her head.

"I think not, Carlo. Besides, you must not say things of that kind to
me. You know Sonya would be angry."

Carlo looked a little annoyed, then laughed.

Since her illness it seemed to him that Bianca had changed in some
subtle fashion. One was no longer so sure of getting the best of her in
an argument.

Besides, after all, would it be so unpleasant to share one's future with
Bianca? She looked oddly pretty and ethereal high up in the branches of
the tree where he had lifted her a few moments before.

But at this moment there could be no further discussion between them, a
message arriving from Sonya saying that she wished Bianca to come and
assist her in pouring tea.

After he helped her down to the ground, Carlo made Bianca pause for a
moment while he pointed across the river.

"See that curious effect, Bianca! There is a rainbow over the Rhine. It
comes sometimes in the late afternoon light even when there has been no
storm. Let us hope the world will find peace at the end of the rainbow,
and more especially Germany. I won't come with you now, as I hate having
to serve tea. Ask some of