'Yes,' Logotheti asserted with exasperating calm and meekness, 'we should still be there.'
'You did not want to be alone with me, I suppose. There's no other explanation, and it's not a very flattering one, is it?'
'I never flatter you, dear lady,' said Logotheti gravely.
'But you do! How can you deny it? You often tell me that I make you think of the Victory in the Louvre——'
'It's quite true. If the statue had a head it would be a portrait of you.'
'Nonsense! And in your moments of enthusiasm you say that I sing better than Madame Bonanni in her best days——' [{88}]
'Yes. You know quite as much as she ever did, you are a much better musician, and you began with a better voice. Therefore you sing better. I maintain it.'
'You often maintain things you don't believe,' Margaret retorted, though her manner momentarily relaxed a little.
'Only in matters of business,' answered the Greek with imperturbable calm.
'Pray, is "learning Tartar" a matter of business?' Her eyes sparkled angrily as she asked the question.