been brought up by an uncle in San Francisco and was visiting his father and mother in Torino when war was declared. He had a sister, who had been sent to America with him at the same time to live with the uncle, who would graduate from normal school this year. He was a legitimate hero who bored every one he met. Catherine could not stand him.
"We have heroes too," she said. "But usually, darling, they're much quieter."
"I don't mind him."
"I wouldn't mind him if he wasn't so conceited and didn't bore me, and bore me, and bore me."
"He bores me."
"You're sweet to say so, darling. But you don't need to. You can picture him at the front and you know he's useful but he's so much the type of boy I don't care for."
"I know."
"You're awfully sweet to know, and I try and like him but he's a dreadful, dreadful boy really."
"He said this afternoon he was going to be a captain."
"I'm glad," said Catherine. "That should please him."
"Wouldn't you like me to have some more exalted rank?"
"No, darling. I only want you to have enough rank so that we're admitted to the better restaurants."
"That's just the rank I have."
"You have a splendid rank. I don't want you to have any more rank. It might go to your head. Oh, darling, I'm awfully glad you're not conceited. I'd have married you even if you were conceited but it's very restful to have a husband who's not conceited."
