“And such a good friend as Don Emilio,” he added. “You have known Emilio for a long time, Signora?”
“Oh yes, for a very long time.”
“He is a strange man,” said the Marchesino, with rather elaborate carelessness.
“Do you think so? In what way?”
“He likes to know, but he does not like to be known.”
There was a great deal of truth in the remark. Its acuteness surprised Hermione, who thought the Marchesino quick witted but very superficial.
“As he is a writer, I suppose he has to study people a good deal,” she said, quietly.
“I do not think I can understand these great people. I think they are too grand for me.”
“Oh, but Emile likes you very much. He told me so.”
“It is very good of him,” said the Marchesino, pulling at his mustaches.