It must be
distressing to your democratic spirit."
The mocking eyes twinkled as though they enjoyed my sally.
"On the contrary! on the contrary! - that is atavism! It does us good.
We are above such things, to be sure, but just as eager to do them as a
worthy professor to sing the college songs at a reunion."
"Then I regret that I must deprive you of this pleasure. I am no longer
a count and intend to become a citizen of your republic."
"What is that you tell me? Well, well, well! that is a remarkable
decision."
"Your enthusiasm is not as hearty as one should expect of a true
American. I believe you think that something is lost by this
transaction after all."
"Perhaps I do! - Italian counts are rarer than American citizens. With
these titles it's the same as with sailing vessels and feudal castles.
They are unpractical and out of date. And yet it is a pity to see one
after another disappearing."
"Would you put me into a museum and have the state support me?"
"No! No! - we are glad to make use of such excellent working powers.
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