“You would never do that, I know,” she said gravely.
“You are still too modest, Peter, but the time has gone by when I can be easily deceived. You have a great reputation among men of affairs, an unique one. In spite of the fact that you are distinctly American, you have a wide interest in what is going on in the world. And you have an opportunity here to meet people of note, people really worth while from every point of view. You have no right to neglect it.”
He was silent a moment, looking down at her. She was leaning forward, her eyes fixed on the fire, her hands clasped between her knees.
“Do you think I care for that?” he asked.
“You ought to care,” she said, without looking up. “And it is my duty to try to make you care.”
“Honora, why do you think I came over here?” he said.
“To see Paris,” she answered. “I have your own word for it. To—to continue your education. It never seems to stop.”
“Did you really believe that?”
“Of course I believed it. What could be more natural? And you have never had a holiday like this.”
“No,” he agreed. “I admit that.”