"Yes; has he not? He is like his father."
"And his mother," said the countess. "He is a great favorite at court, my dear. There is a career before him if there should happen to be a war, as I suppose there will be."
"I could do without a career for him if the price is to be a war," said the signora, sighing.
"He seems very attentive to Miss Leslie," remarked the countess, looking at the two young people as they crossed the room.
The prince had found a seat for Margaret, but still remained by her side, bending over her with that rapt attention which distinguished him.
"Oh yes," assented the signora, placidly. "He thinks a great deal of her. I imagine that he is very pleased at the success of her picture. Ferdinand is devoted to art; and says that the villa is renowned as the birthplace of so great a picture as Miss Leslie has painted."
"Hem!" said the countess; then, with a frown, she said, "Don't you think that the charm you speak of may exert itself over Ferdinand?"
"Over Ferdinand?" the signora glanced across at them with a serene smile.
"Yes, over Ferdinand," repeated the old countess, almost impatiently, "or do you think that the male heart is less susceptible than the female. Do you suppose that Ferdinand is blind to Miss Leslie's loveliness, and that it is only revealed to you and Florence?"
"What do you mean?" asked the signora.