And with good reasonbut wait till the lads grow up, and theyll do something besides shout and run.
There was an undertone in Syberts voice different from his usual listless drawl. Marcia glanced up at him quickly and Dessarts insinuations flashed through her mind.
Do you mean you would rather have Leo XIII king instead of Humbert? she asked.
Heavens, no! No one wants the temporal power backnot even the Catholics themselves.
I should think that when the Italians have gone through so much to get their king, they might be satisfied with him. They ought to have more patience, and not expect the country to be rich in a minute. Everything cant be done all at once; and as for blaming the government because the African war didnt turn out wellwhy, no one could foresee the result. It was a mistake instead of a crime.
Sybert was watching her lazily, with an amused smile about his lips. Will you pardon me, Miss Marcia, if I ask if those are your own conclusions, or the opinions of our young friend the American artist?
He does not plot against the King, at any rate! she retorted.
Please, Miss Marcia, he begged, dont think so badly of me as that. Really, Im not an anarchist. I dont want to blow His Majesty up.
Go home and dress, Sybert, Copley murmured, taking him by the arm. I have to go and interview the cook, and I dont dare leave you and my niece together. Theres no telling what would happen.
Shes a suspicious young woman, Sybert complained. Cant you teach her to take your friends on trust?
For the matter of that, she doesnt even take her uncle on trust.
And no wonder! said Marcia. I forgot to tell you my other adventure, just as the carriage turned into the Corso we got jammed in close to the curb and had to stop. I looked up and saw a man standing on the side-walk, glaring at me over the top of a newspapersimply glaringand suddenly he jumped to the side of the carriage and thrust the paper in my hands. He said something in Italian, but too fast for me to catch, and before I could move, Marietta had snatched it up and dashed it back in his face. The paper was named the Cry of the People; I just caught one word in it, and that was she paused dramaticallyCopley! Now, Uncle Howard, she finished, do you think you ought to be trusted? When it gets to the point that the people in the street
She stopped suddenly. She had caught a quick glance between her uncle and Sybert. What is it? she asked. Do you know what it means?
It means damned impudence! said her uncle. Ill have that editor arrested if he doesnt keep still, and the two men stood eyeing each other a minute in silence. Then Copley gave a short laugh. Oh, well, he said, I dont believe the Grido del Popolo can destroy my character. Nobody reads it. He looked at his watch. Youd better go and dress, Marcia. My party begins promptly at eight.
You neednt use any such clumsy method as that of getting rid of me, she laughed. Im not going to stay where Im not wanted. All I have to say, she called back from the doorway, is that youd better stop badgering those poor old beggars, or youll be getting a warning to leave Rome as well as Naples.
Marcia rang for Granton.
Have you time to fix my hair now? she inquired as the maid appeared, or does Mrs. Copley need you?
Mrs. Copley hasnt begun to dress yet; she is watching Master Gerald eat his supper.
Oh, very well, then, there is time enough; Ill get through before she is ready for you. Do my hair sort of Frenchy, she commanded as she sat down before the mirror. What dress do you think Id better wear? she continued presently. That white one I wore last week, or the new green one that came from Paris yesterday?
I should think the white one, Miss Marcia, and save the new one for some party.
It would be more sensible, Marcia agreed; but, she added with a laugh, I think Ill wear the new one.
Granton got it out with an unsmiling face which was meant to convey the fact that she could not countenance this American prodigality. She had lived ten years with an elderly English duchess, and had thought that she knew the ways of the aristocracy.
The gown was a filmy green mousseline touched with rose velvet and yellow lace. Marcia put it on and surveyed herself critically. What do you think, Granton? she asked.
Its very becoming, Miss Marcia, Granton returned primly.
Yes, Marcia sighedand very tight! She caught up her fan and turned toward the door. Dont be hurt because I didnt take your advice, she called back over her shoulder. I never take anybodys, Granton.
She found her uncle alone in the salon, pacing the floor in a restless fashion, with two frowning lines between his brows. He paused in his walk as she appeared, and his frown gave place, readily enough, to a smile.
You look very well to-night, he remarked approvingly. Youerhave a new gown, havent you?
Oh, yes, Uncle Howard, she laughed. Its all the gown. Send your compliments to my dressmaker, 45 Avenue de lOpéra. I thought I would wear it in honour of Mr. Sybert; its so seldom we have him with us.
Mr. Copley received this statement with something like a grunt.
There! Uncle Howard, I didnt mean to hurt your feelings. Mr. Sybert is the nicest man that ever lived. And what I particularly like about him, is the fact that he is so genial and expansive and thoughtful for othersalways trying to put people at their ease.
Mr. Copley refused to smile. I am sorry, Marcia, that you dont like Sybert, he said quietly. Its because you dont understand him.
I dare say; and I suppose he doesnt like me, for the same reason.
He is a splendid fellow; Ive never known a better oneand a man can judge.
Marcia laughed. Uncle Howard, do you know what you remind me of? An Italian father who is arranging a marriage for his daughter, and having chosen the man, is recommending him for her approval.
Oh, no; I dont go to the length of asking you to fall in love with himthough you might do worsebut I should be pleased if you would treat himer
Respectfully, as I would my father.
More respectfully than you do your uncle, at any rate. He may not be exactly what youd call a ladys man
A ladys man! Uncle Howard, you make me furious when you talk like that; as if I only liked men with dimples in their chins, who dance well and get ices for you! Im sorry if I dont treat Mr. Sybert seriously enough; but really I dont think he treats me seriously, either. You think I dont know anything, just because I cant tell the difference between the Left and the Right. Ive only just come to Rome, and I dont see how you can expect me to know about Italian politics. You both of you laugh whenever I ask the simplest question.
But you ask such exceedingly simple questions, dear.
How can I help it when you give me such absurd answers?
Im sorry. Well try to do better in the future. I suppose weve both of us been a little worried this spring, and you probe us on a tender point.
But who ever heard of a mans being really worried over politicsthat is, unless hes running for something? They should be regarded as an amusement to while away your leisure. You and Mr. Sybert are so funny, Uncle Howard; you take your amusements so seriously.