answered the Englishwoman; "and can we reasonably reproach them for feeling only temporarily on occasions where we would not feel at all?"
Mrs. Garrison was surprised to find such flexibility of view in one of the English race. Was it possible that the Dowager retained some tenderness for her husband's people, disastrous as had been the effect of that husband upon her life? Her defense of Italians was so unexpected as to seem almost perverse in Margaret's eyes, and without further delay she brought the conversation to Gino Curatulo.
"I suppose you are anxious about him because he wants to marry your very charming little nieces," said the Dowager before Margaret had completed her first question; and the latter, with a sigh of relief, relapsed into frankness.
"He has not asked to marry her," she admitted, "but it seems to be coming to that."
"I have been expecting it." The Englishwoman looked down at the brown jacket she was knitting, and her needles worked rapidly. "He is so very much in love with her that he does n't seem to be able to listen to me when she is in sight.—As for Curatulo, I can tell you as much about him as any one can. His family is of no importance, but he is probably all the better for that.83
