"Ah, piccina mia," he answered, "you've only seen a very tiny portion of London. There are more people in a single parish here than in the whole of Florence." "And they all talk English, while I don't understand a word!" she said, pouting prettily. "I do so wish I could speak English." "You will learn very soon," he answered her. "In a couple of months or so you'll be able to go out alone and make yourself understood." "Ah no!" she declared with a slight sigh. "Your English is so difficult--oh, so very difficult!--that I shall never, never be able to speak it." "Wait and see," he urged. "When we are married, I shall speak English to you always, and then you'll be compelled to learn," he laughed. "But, Nino," she said, her eyes still fixed upon the crowd of persons passing and repassing, "why are all these people in such a dreadful hurry? Surely there's no reason for it?" "It is business, dearest," he answered. "Here, in London, men are bent on money-making. Nine-tenths of these men you see are struggling fiercely to live, notwithstanding the creases in their trousers, and the glossiness of their silk hats; the other tenth are still discontented, although good fortune has placed them beyond the necessity of earning their living. In London, no man is contented with his lot, even if he's a millionaire; whereas in your country, if a man has a paltry ten thousand lire a year, he considers himself very lucky, takes life easily, and enjoys himself." "Ah," she said, just as the cab pulled up before the hotel entrance, where half a dozen Americans, men and women, lounging in wicker chairs, began to comment upon her extreme beauty, "in London every one is so rich." "No, not every one," he answered, laughing. "Very soon your views of London will become modified;" and he sprang out, while the grey-haired porter, resplendent in gilt livery, assisted her to alight. An incident had, however, occurred during the drive which had passed unnoticed by both Gemma and her companion. While they were crossing Trafalgar Square, a man standing upon the kerb glanced up at her in quick surprise, and, by the expression on his face, it was evident that he recognised her. For a few moments his eyes followed the vehicle, and seeing it enter Northumberland Avenue, he hurried swiftly across the Square, and halted at a respectable distance, watching her ascend the hotel steps with Armytage. Then, with a muttered imprecation, the man turned on his heel and strode quickly away towards St Martin's Lane.