‘Oh, I like adventures.’
‘When they’re ended safely, yes. But these Italian peasants are a revengeful lot when they get it into their heads that they have been mistreated. I don’t believe you ought to drive about the country that way.’
‘I should think that two boys and a groom might be escort enough—the pony-carriage doesn’t accommodate many more.’
‘Nevertheless, joking apart, I don’t think it is safe. The country’s pretty thoroughly stirred up just at present.’
‘You’re as bad as Aunt Katherine with her tattooed man! As for being afraid of these peasants, I know every soul in Castel Vivalanti, and they’re all adorable—with the exception of Gervasio’s relatives.’
‘If I were your uncle,’ he observed, ‘I should prefer a niece readier to take suggestions.’
‘I am ready to take his suggestions, but you’re not my uncle.’
‘No,’ said Sybert, ‘I am not; and——’
‘And what?’ Marcia asked.
He laughed.