He was a
noticeable man; all the more so because, with many pleasant
qualities, his countrymen rarely possess that physical and mental
combination of size, energy, and reserve, which inspires the sort
of respect enjoyed by imposing personages.
As he sat talking with the family after dinner on the evening of
his first introduction to the household what passed in his mind
and in the minds of his hosts can be easily stated.
Sant' Ilario, whose ideas were more clear upon most subjects than
those of his father or his wife, said to himself that he did not
like the man; that he suspected him, and believed he had some
hidden intention in coming to Rome; that it would be wise to watch
him perpetually and to question everything he did; but that he was
undeniably a relation, possessing every right to consideration,
and entitled to be treated with a certain familiarity; that,
finally and on the whole, he was a nuisance, to be borne with a
good grace and a sufficient show of cordiality.
San Giacinto, for his part, was deeply engaged in maintaining the
exact standard of manners which he knew to be necessary for the
occasion, and his thoughts concerning his relatives were not yet
altogether defined. It was his intention to take his place among
them, and he was doing his best to accomplish this object as
speedily and quietly as possible.
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