The whole air was full of it.

I hastily paid Donna Antonia a few incoherent compliments, and took my leave.
As I was putting on my coat Colonel McGregor joined me and, with more friendliness than he usually showed me, accompanied me down the avenue toward the _Piazza_.

After some indifferent remarks he began: "Martin, you and I have separate interests in some matters, but I think we have the same in others." I knew at once what he meant; it was that debt over again! I remained silent, and he continued: "About the debt, for instance.

You are interested in the debt ?" "Somewhat," said I."A banker generally is interested in a debt." "I thought so," said the colonel.

"A time may come when we can act together.