"Because they are those who have to stay at home and work." And then she
added, "They are saints--don't you think?"
"They are very stupid, I should say."
Nina let her spoon rest on the rim of her plate. "That's not polite of
you."
"Why? Since it is true. Of course they are stupid! They let their women,
who are adorable, come over to us. Would I, do you think, if you were my
wife, allow you so much as to go out for an afternoon's drive without
me? Never! To prove further that your men are stupid--in no country are
there so many divorces as in America!"
"It is not because our men are stupid, at all events!"
"Then why is it?"
"Chiefly because our men have too little time to give us." And then she
spoke under sudden stress of feeling, without perhaps knowing the full
wisdom of what she said: "Do you suppose that if our men at home had
time for us, we _would_ come over here, to you?"
"Then all the more are the Americans fools!" He raised his champagne
glass. "Signorina," he said, "may you find the American who _has_ the
time."
Involuntarily her glance went toward John. Allegro saw it and laughed.
"Ah, ha! So that is why we have no chance? Still," he added on second
thought, "your choice does you credit."
"He is not my choice, he is my friend. You don't understand! At home a
girl has men friends exactly as she has girl friends.
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