“If we do that,” he objected, “I’m sure to come across people I know, and then my reposeful little holiday will be over.”
As for the Countess, she more than once said that she had never been so happy as she was just now.
Once, when they were alone together, his mother asked Beppo if he really must go back to Rome just yet, and he answered very seriously:
“You know, mamma, that the money you have so kindly given me should be invested so as to bring in the very highest return. My chance of doing that is to be in Rome with the man of whom I told you. But do not be afraid. I shall very soon come back. All is going well, if slowly.”
“I suppose you are wise in going slowly with Lily?” said the Countess doubtfully.
Beppo looked at her thoughtfully: “It is a great trial, but I have no doubt of the wisdom of my course, mamma. Believe me, clever as you are, I know women better than you do.”
And she answered with a smile and a sigh, “I do not doubt that, my Beppo! And, after all, there is plenty of time.”
“Yes, mamma. Thanks to your cleverness and goodness, there is!”
The Countess lowered her voice:
“Lily had a letter to-day from the lawyer. I asked her to show it to me. There is no doubt about the money. It is a fortune! Ninety-six thousand English pounds, according to what the man calls ‘a rough estimate’; but she will not receive it yet awhile.”