I put it gently but firmly aside.
"It is nothing," I said, coldly; "a mere faintness which often overcomes me, the remains of a recent illness." Here I glanced at my watch; the afternoon was waning rapidly.
"If you will excuse me," I continued, "I will now take leave of you.
Regarding the pictures you have permitted me to select, my servant shall call for them this evening to save you the trouble of sending them." "It is no trouble--" began Ferrari.
"Pardon me," I interrupted him; "you must allow me to arrange the matter in my own way.

I am somewhat self-willed, as you know." He bowed and smiled--the smile of a courtier and sycophant--a smile I hated.

He eagerly proposed to accompany me back to my hotel, but I declined this offer somewhat peremptorily, though at the same time thanking him for his courtesy.

The truth was I had had almost too much of his society; the strain on my nerves began to tell; I craved to be alone.

I felt that if I were much longer with him I should be tempted to spring at him and throttle the life out of him.