Yes, it was now he who pleaded for secrecy and a quiet voice.
There was a stronger passion in Mario than the love of women, and that was the love of money.

Women were to him mainly the means to money.

They were easier to get, too, if you were not over particular.

Money was a rare, shy thing, except to an amazing few who accumulated it by some obscure, magnetic attraction; and opportunities of acquisition were not to be missed.
"Hush!" he said.

"You treated me badly, Joan.