This had led him to study comets.

But he was wise.

For twenty years he had been preoccupied by nothing except dining out.
When he had left, Countess Martin told Madame Marmet what she expected of her.
"I am going next week to Fiesole, to visit Miss Bell, and you are coming with me." The good Madame Marmet, with placid brow yet searching eyes, was silent for a moment; then she refused gently, but finally consented..