Gerard was taken aback.
“But, signora, I know not what to say. This is sudden.”
“Say your real mind. Say you wish you were anywhere but here.”
“Nay, signora, that would not be sooth. I wish one thing though.”
“Ay, and what is that?” said she gently.
“I wish I could have drawn you as you were beating that poor lass. You were awful, yet lovely. Oh, what a subject for a Pythoness!”
“Alas! he thinks but of his art. And why keep such a coil about my beauty, Gerardo? You are far fairer than I am. You are more like Apollo than I to Venus. Also, you have lovely hair and lovely eyes—but you know not what to do with them.”
“Ay, do I. To draw you, signora.”
“Ah, yes; you can see my features with them; but you cannot see what any Roman gallant had seen long ago in your place. Yet sure you must have noted how welcome you are to me, Gerardo?”
“I can see your highness is always passing kind to me; a poor stranger like me.”