‘Whether that man speaks English or not, he understands it as well as you or I.’
‘Do you think so?’
‘I don’t think anything about it. I know it.’
Nothing of interest happened when the ladies had left the table. The Signor talked easily and pleasantly of persons and places that both had known, but made no allusion to what had passed between them a few days previously. Tor followed his lead, and was only too glad to be left in peace. Torwood’s name was never mentioned between them, and both seemed quite ready to join the ladies, as soon as a decent interval had elapsed.
The Italian was willing enough to take refuge with Miss Marjory as soon as the drawing-room had been reached. Tor could not help fancying that he felt some relief at the presence of strangers, as though he did not feel disposed to show fight that day, and yet had no inclination to become too friendly.
Miss Marjory never knew what it was to want words. English or Italian, it was all the same to her. She was wont to say of herself that if she were to be cast away upon a savage island, she should learn the language in a few days, so impossible would it be for her to remain silent.
The Signor seemed pleased by her conversation. Maud had taken Ethel out into the garden. Tor was talking to Mrs. Lorraine at the other end of the great room. There was nobody to hear what passed between these two, and Miss Marjory could be charmingly innocent when she chose.
‘Have you ever been in England before, Signor?’
There was the least possible hesitation before the answer came.
‘As a child, Madame, I was here; but I have little recollection of it.’