Page:Her Roman Lover (Frothingham, 1911).djvu/105



HERE was no lessening in the heat of Gino’s wooing, though he knew she could not bring him a fortune. That evening, before leaving the embassy hall he had told her that he loved her, and during the next few days on their renewed expeditions as sightseers, he contrived to tell her so several times again, in spite of Mrs. Garrison’s chaperonage. From day to day, almost from moment to moment he seemed to expect her to return his love, but he took her denials with fortitude, showing neither temper nor discouragement in the face of them.

Two days later her aunt called upon Lady Fitz-Smith with the intention of learning all there was to know about Gino Curatulo. She was fortunate enough to find the Dowager not only at home, but alone, and began her attack by criticism of the Italians.

“They are self-conscious,” she said. “They strut, they twirl their mustaches before public mirrors, and if they are not exceptionally well-bred they