(She goes up to HILDA and curtsies ceremoniously.)
Dear Signorina.... Signorina.... Deep
In Bennett's fragrant works,——or can she sleep?
Could The Five Towns have bored her? Let me try
Once more. Most noble Signorina——
HILDA (starting up).Why,
Who are you, lady? By your dress and ways
I think you must have come from Titian's days.
GIOCONDA. Indeed, I do. Old Titian! How he talks!
He did my portrait last July in chalks.
But grant me the great liberty, I pray,
Of asking what your name is——
HILDA.Hilda Gray.
GIOCONDA. How sweet and to the point!
HILDA.And yours?
GIOCONDA.Gioconda
Francesca Violante Giulia della Bionda.
HILDA. A poem in itself! The velvet verse
Of Tasso is not softer to rehearse.
What can have led you to forgo an age
When life was an illuminated page
From some superb romance?
GIOCONDA.And what, I wonder,
Can have torn you and your fair time asunder?