Should she tell him she knew, or should she keep up the pretense a little longer?
Her insatiable love of intrigue won.
"Are you sure you wish to be taken back ?" "_Si_, signorina, I am very sure." "Then perhaps you will do me a favor on your way home tonight ?" "You have but to ask." "I wish to send a message to a young American man who is staying at the Hotel du Lac--you may have seen him ?" Tony nodded.
"I have climb Monte Maggiore wif him.

You recommend me; I sank you ver' moch.

Nice man, zat yong American; ver' good, ver' simpatico." He leaned forward with a sudden air of anxiety.

"Signorina, you--you like zat yong man ?" "I have only met him twice, but--yes, I like him." "You like him better zan me ?" His anxiety deepened; he hung upon her words.
She shook her head reassuringly.
"I like you both exactly the same." "Signorina, which you like better, zat yong American or ze Signor Lieutenant ?" "Your questions are getting too personal, Tony." He folded his arms and sighed.
"Will you deliver my message ?" "_Si_, signorina, wif pleasure." There was not a trace of curiosity in his expression, nothing beyond a deferential desire to serve.
"Tell him, Tony, that Miss Wilder will be at home tomorrow afternoon at tea time; if he will come by the gate and present a card she will be most pleased to see him.

She wishes him to meet an American friend, a Miss Hilliard, who has just arrived at the hotel this afternoon." She watched him sharply; his expression did not alter by a shade.