and I don't know how. If you were a young Roman, it would be different.'
'A young Roman?'
'That's where I live, properly, in Rome. If I hurt you, you can explain in that way. No, you are not like them.'
'You don't hurt me—please believe that; you interest me very much,' said Hyacinth, to whom it did not occur that he himself might appear patronising. 'Of what do you want to warn me?'
'Well—only to advise you a little. Do not give up anything.'
'What can I give up?'
'Do not give up yourself. I say that to you in your interest. I think you have some little trade—I forget what; but whatever it may be, remember that to do it well is the best thing—it is better than paying visits, better even than a Princess!'
'Ah yes, I see what you mean!' Hyacinth exclaimed exaggerating a little. 'I am very fond of my trade, I assure you.'
'I am delighted to hear it. Hold fast to it, then, and be quiet; be diligent, and honest, and good. I gathered the other night that you are one of the young men who want everything changed—I believe there are a great many in Italy, and also in my own dear old Deutschland—and even think it's useful to throw bombs into innocent crowds, and shoot pistols at their rulers, or at any one. I won't go into that. I might seem to be speaking for myself, and the fact is that for myself I don't care; I am so old that I may hope to spend the few days that are left me without
