"I am
glad you agree with me about my behaviour," he continued. "It is of
course most important to maintain as much as possible the good
impression I was so fortunate as to make last night, and I have had
enough experience of the world to know that it will not be an easy
matter."
"No, indeed--and with Beatrice's character, too!"
"The most charming character I ever met," said San Miniato with
sufficient warmth. "But young, of course, as it should be and subject to
the enchanting little caprices which belong to youth and beauty."
"Yes, which always belong to youth and beauty," assented the Marchesa.
"And I am quite prepared, for instance, to be treated coldly to-day and
warmly to-morrow, if it so pleases the dear young lady. She will always
find me the same."
"How good you are, dearest friend!" exclaimed the Marchesa, thoroughly
understanding what he meant, and grateful to him for his tact, which was
sometimes, indeed, of the highest order.
"It would be strange if I were not happy and satisfied," he answered,
"and ready to accept gratefully the smallest favour with which it may
please Donna Beatrice to honor me.
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