He folded his arms with an air of desperation.
“I’m an American—one of your own countrymen; if you had a grain of charity in your nature you would let the cake go.”
She shook her head relentlessly.
“Five days at Valedolmo! You would not believe the straits I’ve been driven to in search of amusement.”
“Yes?” There was a touch of curiosity in her tone. “What for example?”
“I am teaching Gustavo how to play tennis.”
“Oh!” she said. “How does he do?”
“Broken three windows and a flower pot and lost four balls.”
She laughed and turned away; and then as an idea occurred to her, she turned back and fixed her eyes sympathetically on his face.
“I suppose Valedolmo is stupid for a man; but why don’t you try mountain climbing? Everybody finds that diverting. There’s a guide here who speaks English—really comprehensible English. He’s engaged for tomorrow, but after that I dare say he’ll be free. Gustavo can tell you about him.”