"You do know, of course. I wish you would tell me. As an Englishman, the mother interests me."
"From the point of view of our international relations, I see, collecting information for an article in the Nineteenth Century, or else your brother is going to speak on the subject in the Lords. What do you think about the matter yourself? If I can put you right, I will."
"What an extraordinary man you are!" exclaimed Arden. "You always insist upon answering one question by another."
"It gives one time to think," retorted Ghisleri. "These cigarettes are distinctly bad; give me one of yours, please. I never can understand why the government monopoly here should exist, and if it does why they should not give us Russian—"
"My dear Ghisleri," said Arden, interrupting him, "we were talking about the Princess Gerano."
"Were we? Oh, yes, and Miss Carlyon, too, I remember. Do you like them?"
"Very much; and I think every one should. That is the reason why I am surprised that Miss Carlyon should not receive much more attention than she does. I fancy it is because she is English. Do you think I am right?"
"No," said Ghisleri, slowly, at last answering the direct question, "I do not think you are."
"Then what in the world is the reason? The fact is clear enough. She knows it herself."
"Probably some absurd bit of gossip. Who cares? I am sorry for her, though."