"Blunt—witted that I am! Of course you did. But do not imagine that she is not happy with her husband. They are united firmly."
"The better for her, and him, and me," said Merthyr.
Laura twisted an end of her scarf with fretful fingers. "Carlo Albert has crossed the Ticino?"
"Is about to do so," Merthyr rejoined.
"Will Rome hold on if he is defeated?"
"Rome has nothing to fear on that side."
"But you do not speak hopefully of Rome."
"I suppose I am thinking of other matters."
"You confess it!"
The random conversation wearied him. His foot tapped the floor.