Gilardoni could not refuse to look; but he drew back his lips as some animals do when in a fury. The action might pass for an affirmative smile, but it was uglier than any frown.
“Yes,” he curtly replied.
“Did you know her?”
Gilardoni did not respond this time; but gave his attention to a tall vase, which he seemed to find in need of being relieved of the dust that had accumulated round the flutings.
Captain Desfrayne waited for a minute, and then repeated the question.
“Why, sir, everybody knows her—everybody all over the world,” Gilardoni answered, only half-turning round.
He spoke with a strong effort to display indifference; but his manner and voice both betrayed singular constraint. Paul Desfrayne was prepared for this, and did not take any notice, but continued:
“She was but a village girl, I suppose, when you knew her? They say she is going to marry a Russian prince.”
This time Gilardoni made a great effort, and, looking his new master full in the face, with a vacant, uninterested expression, said:
“Do they, sir?”