"
"True, true, Signora Vernon, and I don't like to see them all go, and
your sympathy is sweet. The American is a giant in his time; but we
are not as they, he is literally a man of to-day; he has to be always
in a hurry to make his name tell. We have done all that, but he is
wrong to say we are dreamers," and his eyes flashed; "our blood is as
full of fire as in the days of the Gracchi, the Caesars."
"Theirs was a grand age, but ours is gay, and could we be promoted
backwards, I fear me," she added gaily, "we would long for our
telephone, our electric light, our novels, our mutual club life, our
great Worth, our lounging chairs, and many other pet luxuries."
"True, Signora," answered Castenelli, in the same tone, "and I can
answer for myself; were a _belle_ of those days to step from the
canvas for my approval, I should tell her to sleep on, and give place
to her more beautiful and gay sister of my own day."
"In the name of the butterflies of to-day, I thank you," said Vaura
gaily.
"How long do you grace Rome with your presence?"
"One short week and a day, Signor; and I shall not leave your sun-warm
Italia without regret, replete as it is with so much that charms the
mind and senses, none so soulless I hope, but would feel as I shall on
bidding adieu to one of the choicest gardens Dame Nature revels in.
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