He turned a fiery red under his tan and mumbled some sort of an apology.

"The Countess is a public personage, however, and we may speak of her," went on the old man quickly, as the American, in his confusion, called a waiter to replenish the tankards.

The steely glitter that leaped into the armourer's eyes at this second reference to his niece disappeared as quickly as it came; somehow it left behind the impression that he knew how to wield the deadly blades he wrought.
"I'd like to hear more about her," murmured Mr.King.

"Anything to pass the time away, Mr.Spantz.As I said before, I journeyed far to reach this land of fair women and if there's one to be seen, I'm properly eager to jump at the chance.

I've been here two days and I've seen nothing that could start up the faintest flutter around my heart.