"There is such a thing as being too clever," answered Maria Consuelo, without a smile.
"Is Del Ferice a case of that?"
"No. You are. You say cutting things merely because they come into your head, though I am sure that you do not always mean them. It is a bad habit."
"Because it makes enemies, Madame?" Orsino was annoyed by the rebuke.
"That is the least good of good reasons."
"Another, then?"
"It will prevent people from loving you," said Maria Consuelo gravely.
"I never heard that—"
"No? It is true, nevertheless."
"In that case I will reform at once," said Orsino, trying to meet her eyes. But she looked away from him.