"Then Maffy, you see, walks in. They don't seem to have much conversation--she regularly brightens up when I come along and say something cheerful--but he's gradually making up his mind that the best isn't any too good for him." "Perhaps we don't begin so well in America," I interrupted thoughtfully. "But then, we don't develop into Mrs. P.'s either." Dicky seemed unable to follow my line of thought. "I must say," he went on resentfully, "I like--well, just a _smell_ of constancy about a man. A fellow that's thrown over ought to be in about the same shape as a widower. But not much Maffy. I tried to work up his feelings over the American girl the other night--he was as calm!" "Dicky," said I, "there are subjects a man _must_ keep sacred. You must not speak to Mr. Mafferton of his first--attachment again. They never do it in England, except for purposes of fiction." "Well, I worked that racket all I knew. I even told him that American girls as often as not changed their minds." "_Richard!_ He will think I--what _will_ he think of American girls! It was excessively wrong of you to say that--I might almost call it criminal!" Dicky looked at me in pained surprise. "Look here, Mamie," he said, "a fellow in my fix, you know! Don't get excited. How am I going to confide in you unless you keep your hair on!" "What, may I ask, did Mr. Mafferton say when you told him that?" I asked sternly. "He said--now you'll be madder than ever. I won't tell you." "Mr. Dod--Dicky, haven't we been friends from infancy!" "Played with the same rattle. Cut our teeth together." "Well then----" "Well then," he said, "do you mind putting your parasol straight? I like to see the person I'm talking to, and besides the sun is on the other side. He said he didn't think it was a privilege that should be extended to all cases." "He did, did he?" I rejoined calmly. "That's like the British--isn't it?" "It would have made such a complication if I'd kicked him," confessed Mr. Dod. The Senator, momma, and Mrs. Portheris stood in the cathedral door. Isabel and Mr. Mafferton occupied the middle distance. Mr. Mafferton stooped to add a poppy to a slender handful of wild flowers he held out to her. Isabel was looking back. "It will be pleasant inside the Duomo," I said. "Let us go on. I feel warm. I agree with you that the situation is serious, Dicky. Look at those poppies! When an Englishman does that you may make up your mind to the worst. But I don't think anybody need have the slightest respect for the affections of Mr. Mafferton."