"The difference between me and my countrymen, is that I know the difference between boldness and misjudged arrogance." He was tempted to light a cigar but could not see anyone with so much as a pipe out of the corner of their mouth. Plus, he did not want to upset the pretty lady as she seemed to be interested in finding out about his life. He was used to women doing this, but she did it in a different way. Miss Cordelia had purpose - what that purpose was he did not know. Nor did he care to. "I have seen many a man fall because they thought they were invincible. To be a truly courageous man you have to know when the tide is against you."
Her bright little question had deeper meaning and he was happy to answer. "I am a self-employed man. I am the best friend of many rich men at home and abroad, but the one they tend to keep in the shadows lest their reputation suffer. My work is a little complicated, but I have no qualms in getting my hands sufficiently dirty. Your father may perhaps know a thing or two about that." With a wide smile Ramez ignored the supposed etiquette of the party and withdrew his case of cigars, offering one to the lady.