"Possibly. But that is no reason why I should tell it to you. That lady is a friend of mine, certainly, but it is not the custom in my country, however it may be in yours, to bandy a lady's name about a public place."
"But I am not asking out of curiosity," the other persisted, "nor am I a stranger to you."
"What is your motive, if it be not curiosity?" the Sicilian asked, with a dark shade stealing into his face. "You had better be careful, Signor; there is danger at hand for any man who so much as directs an impertinent glance at either of those ladies."
The Englishman was far too deeply in earnest to be angry.
"You won't tell me, then?" he said simply.
"I will not."
"Certain?"
"Quite certain."
"Very good. I shall find out."
The Sicilian laid his hand upon the other's arm. His black eyes were flashing angrily, and his tone was threatening.