Both Myra and Guy looked at him in amazement. Hora was not given to showing emotion, and there could be no doubt but that he was deeply moved. His lips were drawn closely together, beads of perspiration broke out on his forehead, every line in his face deepened.
"What's the matter, Commandatore—father?" cried Guy in alarm, as he sprung to Hora's side and laid his hand on the elder man's arm.
Hora shook off the touch roughly.
"Say the name again," he repeated.
"Marven," repeated Guy, "Captain Marven."
Gradually Hora regained control of himself. His features resumed their normal air of petulant acquiescence with the world, but there was a gleam in his eyes which revealed a very different spirit within him. Presently he spoke.
"You are surprised to see me so much moved by the mention of a name. You would not be if you knew what reason I have to hate the possessor of it. So you found Captain Marven very good company, eh, Guy?" He laughed sardonically.
"Why, yes," replied the young man.
"I wonder," he mused, "if you would have thought him as entertaining if you knew the part he has played in my life."
"In your life?" queried Myra and Guy in the same breath.