He was slowly followed by his mistress. Miss Light paused a moment on
seeing Rowland and his companion; but, though the former perceived that
he was recognized, she made no bow. Presently she walked directly toward
him. He rose and was on the point of waking Roderick, but she laid
her finger on her lips and motioned him to forbear. She stood a moment
looking at Roderick's handsome slumber.
"What delicious oblivion!" she said. "Happy man! Stenterello"--and she
pointed to his face--"wake him up!"
The poodle extended a long pink tongue and began to lick Roderick's
cheek.
"Why," asked Rowland, "if he is happy?"
"Oh, I want companions in misery! Besides, I want to show off my dog."
Roderick roused himself, sat up, and stared. By this time Mrs. Light had
approached, walking with a gentleman on each side of her. One of these
was the Cavaliere Giacosa; the other was Prince Casamassima. "I should
have liked to lie down on the grass and go to sleep," Christina added.
"But it would have been unheard of."
"Oh, not quite," said the Prince, in English, with a tone of great
precision.
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