The fine carpet there too, on the terrace, with
rushseats and little tables and bowls of flowers.
You, Adelaide, will remain here to-night. Don
Ippolito inquired, as his radiant eyes took in the graceand beauty of the girl.
Donna Adelaides eyes were red with tears and Dianella was paler andSalvo darker than
before. And Signor Salvo certainly wont allow you to escape,if, as you say, he has a
scheme in his mind.
What impression was he going to form of her? Who
knows but you might be Bishop ofGirgenti at this moment instead of Monsignor
Montero.
Empty and black as the cassockitself had his soul
been ever since!
At her age she would certainly not be having any
children.
But who counts the years now, mydear
Montero?
Aurelio looked at her, puzzled by this sudden
digression. Donna Adelaide broke intothe conversation at this point.
Aurelio looked at her, puzzled by this sudden
digression. At her age she would certainly not be having any children. She had long
ceased to care whatpeople might think when they saw her in Salvos carriage. Don
Cosmo sighed, shrugginghis shoulders. Donna Adelaides eyes were red with tears and
Dianella was paler andSalvo darker than before.
Without any civil ceremony; in church
only.
I think it would not be advisable, would it, for
her to see me?
Aurelio Costa, without raising his eyes, or moving
from the writingtable, made a slight bow. I assure you, shes even stupider than I
am.
He had found them, in the lastfew days, altered
like himself by time and the vicissitudes of life. What are you two talking about
over there? Oh, of course, do, please, Nicoletta exclaimed, turning round tolook at
him.
Did she enjoy all thisluxury, all the honours that
were paid to her for the loss of her ownhonour? Your Excellency must excuse me, but
is this the sortof trick to play on a poor woman like me?
Who knows how many times I would have gone there on
foot, as apilgrim, if my legs.
Let us leave her, let us leave her in
peace.
And he was good-looking too, and strong and proud!
I have a message for you to give to Landino.
I have becomea perfect fool, my dear
Montoro.
And Signor Salvo certainly wont allow you to
escape,if, as you say, he has a scheme in his mind. And now, her husband was going
to fight a duel?
Then, as she reached the head of the steps:Most
Excellent Monsignore! I shall send over for you in the course of the week. And that
hairy cap, Donna Adelaide asked again, how can you wearit?
Don Ippolito Laurentano sprang from the carriage
with boyish agility. And he had dreamed for years of making herhis, this
woman!
Don Cosmo sighed, shrugginghis shoulders. Aurelio,
at a loss what to say, raised his eyes and stared at her witha hard, grim
_expression_.