"I hate cards, and I like books better than society," Vera answered frankly.
"Well, you are an oddity. But you seem to have a high opinion of this Italian gentleman."
"No one could help liking Signor Provana after seeing him with his daughter—and I was a good deal with them."
"Yes, driving out with them on all the most expensive excursions. They quite took you up, didn't they? And it must have been very nice for you to go about in such a luxurious way after being cooped up with Gran'ma."
"They were very kind."
"He's a fine-looking man," said Lady Jones thoughtfully. "Not what anyone could call handsome; but a fine figure, and carries himself well. I suppose he has been in the Army. Most of these foreigners have to do a bit of soldiering in their young days."
They were at the end of the parade, and Vera stopped, and held out her hand to her insistent companion.
"Aren't you coming back?" asked Lady Jones.
"Not yet. I shall sit here and read for a little while."