‘I wish to send a message to a young American man who is staying at the Hotel du Lac—you may have seen him?’
Tony nodded.
‘I have climb Monte Maggiore wif him. You recommend me; I sank you ver’ moch. Nice man, zat yong American; ver’ good, ver’ simpatico.’ He leaned forward with a sudden air of anxiety. ‘Signorina, you—you like zat yong man?’
‘I have only met him twice, but—yes, I like him.’
‘You like him better zan me?’ His anxiety deepened; he hung upon her word.
She shook her head reassuringly.
‘I like you both exactly the same.’
‘Signorina, which you like better, zat yong American or ze Signor Lieutenant?’
‘Your questions are getting too personal, Tony.’
He folded his arms and sighed.