Neither name bore any relation to facts.
"Are we going to talk politics ?" said I reproachfully.
"Yes, a little; you see we got to an _impasse_ on the other topic.
Tell me." "Which are you, signorina ?" I asked.
I really wanted to know; so did a great many people.
She thought for a moment, and then said: "I have a great regard for the President.

He has been most kind to me.
He has shown me real affection." "The devil he has!" I muttered.
"I beg your pardon ?" said she.
"I only said, 'Of course he has.' The President has the usual complement of eyes." The signorina smiled again, but went on as if I hadn't spoken.
"On the other hand, I cannot disguise from myself that some of his measures are not wise." I said I had never been able to disguise it from myself.
"The colonel, of course, is of the same opinion," she continued.
"About the debt, for instance.

I believe your bank is interested in it ?" This was no secret, so I said: "Oh, yes, to a considerable extent." "And you ?" she asked softly.
"Oh, I am not a capitalist! no money of mine has gone into the debt." "No money of yours, no.

But aren't you interested in it ?" she persisted.
This was rather odd.

Could she know anything?
She drew nearer to me, and, laying a hand lightly on my arm, said reproachfully: "Do you love people, and yet not trust them, Mr.Martin ?" This was exactly my state of feeling toward the signorina, but I could not say so.