"Yes—tell him to come and see me very often. He's rather tiresome with his prosy talk, but he's a dear old soul."
With a mischievous twinkle in his eye her husband went on:
"It's not unlikely that Keralio will call, also."
"I hope not," she said quickly. "I'll soon show him he's not wanted."
Kenneth laughed. It amused him to see how set she was against the Italian. He did not know the man any too well. He had met him in a business way and the fellow had been of service, but he had not the slightest idea of making a friend of him. He rather suspected he was an adventurer although, a stranger in New York, no one knew anything against him. Protestingly he said:
"It's hardly fair to attack a man because he admires you."
"He shows his admiration in a most offensive way. If you could see the way he looks at me sometimes you'd be the first to resent it."
Kenneth laughed.
"Oh, you mustn't mind that. It's a way all foreigners have. They ogle women more from force of habit than any desire to effect a conquest. Besides, you won't be alone."
"No, I shall have Ray. She is excellent company—far jollier than I——"