'I have kept up the acquaintance—and no more,' answered Orsino, meeting his cousin's eyes again. 'I go to see the Countess from time to time. I believe we are on very good terms.'
'Will you go to Sicily with me if I need you, and stay there, and get an estate in order for me?'
'With pleasure. When?'
'I do not know yet. It may be in a week, or it may be in a month. It will be hot there, and you will have troublesome things to do.'
'So much the better.'
'There are brigands in the neighbourhood just now.'
'That will be very amusing. I never saw one.'
'You may tell Ippolito if you like, but please do not mention it to anyone else until we are ready to go. You know that your mother will be anxious about you, and your father is a conservative—and your grandfather is a firebrand, if he dislikes an idea. One would think that at his age his temper should have subsided.'
'Not in the least!' Orsino smiled, for he loved the old man, and was proud of his great age.