Carlo's did not respond; but he lifted his hat and bowed humbly in retirement to the ladies.
Captain Gambier stepped aside with him.
'Inform Lieutenant Pierson, I beg you,' said Ammiani, 'that I am at his orders, if he should consider that I have insulted him.' 'By all means,' said Gambier; 'only, you know, it's impossible for me to guess what is the matter; and I don't think he knows.' Luciano happened to be coming near.

Carlo went up to him, and stood talking for half a minute.

He then returned to Captain Gambier, and said, 'I put myself in the hands of a man of honour.

You are aware that Italian gentlemen are not on terms with Austrian officers.

If I am seen exchanging salutes with any one of them, I offend my countrymen; and they have enough to bear already.' Perceiving that there was more in the background, Gambier simply bowed.
He had heard of Italian gentlemen incurring the suspicion of their fellows by merely being seen in proximity to an Austrian officer.
As they were parting, Carlo said to him, with a very direct meaning in his eyes, 'Go to the opera tonight.' 'Yes, I suppose so,' the Englishman answered, and digested the look and the recommendation subsequently.
Lieutenant Pierson had ridden off.