“A man's power of doing harm is practically unlimited,” he said slowly, still wishing to gain time.
“Yes, but he has always appeared so childlike and innocent.”
“That is exactly what I disliked about him,” said Sidney.
“Then do you think he has been deliberately deceiving us all along?” she asked.
“Not necessarily,” was the tolerant reply. “You must remember that Christian is essentially a politician. He does not suspect Bruno of anything criminal; his suspicions are merely political; and it may be that Bruno's doings, whatever they appear to be now, may in the future be looked upon as the actions of a hero. Politics are impersonal, and Signor Bruno is only known to us socially.”
Hilda could not see the matter in this light. No woman could have been expected to do so.
“I suppose,” she said presently, “that Signor Bruno is a political intriguer.”
“I expect so,” replied her brother.
They were walking slowly up the broad path towards the house, having given up the idea of searching for Christian or calling him.
“Then,” continued Sidney, “you think it is likely that he has gone off to see Bruno, or to watch him?”