“Yes. He’s your Ambassador. Do you know him?”
“I met him once in Florence. He was at a ball at the Strossi Palace.”
“Then you know Prince Strossi?” he exclaimed.
“Quite well,” she answered. “The Strossis and my family have long been acquainted.”
Her prompt reply made it apparent to him that she had moved in the most exclusive set in Florence. She had never before mentioned that she was acquainted with people of note. But next instant he recollected the strange story which the Florentine Doctor had told him on the previous afternoon. Had not Malvano declared that her family was an undesirable one to know? What, he wondered, was the reason of this curious denunciation?
Again she fixed her eyes upon the Embassy, and seemed as though she were taking careful observation of its appearance and position.
“Did you go much into society in Florence?” he inquired presently.
“Only when I was forced to,” she answered ambiguously. “I do not care for it.”
“Then you will not fret even if, after our marriage, you know only a few people?”
The word “marriage” caused her to start. It brought back to her the hideous truth that even now, after he had brought her to England, their union was impossible.