"Whoever said it was quite mistaken. I can easily satisfy you on that point, for I am a very orderly person. I used to play high when I was twenty-one, but I got tired of it, and I do not care for cards any longer."
"It is very strange, all the same!" The Countess was still wondering, though she believed him. "How people lie!" she exclaimed.
"Oh, admirably, and most of the time," Guido answered, with a little laugh.
There was a short pause. He also was wondering who could have maligned him. No doubt it must have been some designing mother who had a son to marry.
"Forgive me," he said at last. "I have told you exactly what my position is. Have you, on your side, any reason to think that your daughter will consent?"
"Oh, I am sure she will!" answered the Countess, promptly.
Guido repressed a movement, and for an instant the colour rose faintly in his face, then sank away.
"Quite sure?" he asked, controlling his voice.
"I mean, in the end, you know. She will marry you in the end. I am convinced of it. But I think I had better not ask her just yet."
There were matters in regard to which she was distinctly afraid of her daughter.