‘Yes; so he is.’
‘Perhaps that might account for his passive condition.’
Tor smiled, and shook his head.
‘Hardly likely, if you come to consider it.’
‘We are not going to re-open the argument, Signor,’ said the Italian quietly. ‘I have told you I am satisfied by the pledge you have given me. Appearances are undoubtedly against you, but we all know that appearances are deceptive. Unless circumstances force me to a different conclusion, I shall accept the one I have already arrived at.’
‘And in return, may I ask a personal favour from you?’
‘Certainly.’
‘May I ask you not to discuss with other people the circumstances which you deem so strange? I think you can see for yourself that to raise a doubt as to my identity would be at the present moment very unpleasant for me?’
‘Very,’ assented the Italian drily.
Tor felt disposed to give way to a natural desire to knock the fellow down; but he controlled himself, and continued quietly: