“Is it far?”
“Not much farther,” said Winterborne. “The plantation runs up into a corner here, close behind the house.” He added with hesitation, “You know, I suppose, sir, that Mrs. Charmond is not at home?”
“You mistake,” said the other, quickly. “Mrs. Charmond has been away for some time, but she’s at home now.”
Giles did not contradict him, though he felt sure that the gentleman was wrong.
“You are a native of this place?” the stranger said.
“Yes.”
“Well, you are happy in having a home. It is what I don’t possess.”
“You come from far, seemingly?”
“I come now from the south of Europe.”
“Oh, indeed, sir. You are an Italian, or Spanish, or French gentleman, perhaps?”