In fact they deliberately choose stupid ones to be the mothers of their children--hence the ever increasing multitude of fools!" He moved towards the open doors of the beautiful lounge-hall of the Palazzo, Rivardi walking at his side.

"But you will grant me a measure of wisdom in the advice I gave you the other day-the little millionairess is unlike other women--she is not capable of loving,--not in the way loving is understood in this world,--therefore do not seek from her what she cannot give!--As for her 'flying alone'-- leave that to the fates!--I do not think she will attempt it." They entered the Palazzo just as a servant was about to announce to them that dinner would be served in a quarter of an hour, and their talk, for the time being, ended.

But the thoughts of both men were busy; and unknown to each other, centered round the enigmatical personality of one woman who had become more interesting to them than anything else in the world,--so much so indeed that each in his own private mind wondered what life would be worth without her!.