"I happened to know that they were going out," he said, "so I came."
Sabina looked at him in surprise. It was an odd way to begin a conversation.
"I wanted to see you alone," he explained. "I thought perhaps you would come down."
"It was an accident," Sabina answered. "I had left my book here. No one told me that you had come."
"Of course not. I took the chance that a lucky accident might happen. It has, but I hope you are not displeased. If you are, you can turn me out."
"I could go back to my room." Sabina laughed. "Why should I be displeased?"
"I have not the least idea whether you like me or not," answered
Malipieri.
Sabina wondered whether all men talked like this, or whether it were not more usual to begin with a few generalities. She was really quite sure that she liked Malipieri, but it was a little embarrassing to be called upon to tell him so at once.
"If I wanted you to go away, I should not sit down," she said, still smiling.
"I hate conventions," answered Malipieri, "and I fancy that you do, too. We were both brought up in them, and I suppose we think alike about them."