Poppa is very speculative.

But I know there's a certain percentage of Americans who think a count with a family seat is about the only thing worth bringing away from Europe, now that we manufacture so much for ourselves, and if I meet any of them I'll bear you in mind." "_Upon my word!_" It was Mrs.Portheris, in the doorway behind us, just arrived from Siena.
* * * * * I mentioned the matter to my parents, thinking it might amuse them, and it did.

From a business point of view, however, poppa could not help feeling a certain amount of sympathy for the Count.

"I hope, daughter," he said, "you didn't give him the ha-ha to his face.".