There was a brief silence. Lucio did not interrupt him.
"I like you so much; come away with me to my hotel," said Galatà familiarly, not heeding the silence.
"You think so?" murmured the other, fencing, with the coldest politeness.
"I have got to know that there are some very eccentric Russian women, also two or three divorced English women, a demi-vierge or two. Come, we will amuse ourselves. Do not remain in this virtuous barrack."
"Oh, I shouldn't amuse myself there," declared Lucio, somewhat decisively.
"What? Don't you like women?"
"Yes; but one at a time."
"Really? And are you capable of loving the one? Seriously?" exclaimed Galatà, astonished and almost scandalised.
"I am even capable of loving the one seriously."