Around him were two or three young men bearing the great names of Rome.

They all belonged to the Guardia Nobile, and were all dressed by English tailors.

Two of them, moreover, were the sons of English mothers.

They were laughing and joking together, and every now and then they addressed their host.

But he scarcely replied.
He gathered stalk after stalk of grass from the ground beside him, nibbled it and threw it away--a constant habit of his when he was annoyed or out of spirits.
"So you have read my book ?" said Mr.Bellasis pleasantly, addressing Mrs.
Burgoyne, as she handed him a cup of tea.