Luiza looked at it, giving the little blue flowers a touch with her fingers here and there.
“It makes one feel cool to look at it,” said Donna Felicidade.
“Does it not? Try it on.”
The elder woman put it on carefully, with a serious air.
“It is very becoming to me,” said Luiza.
“Bazilio will find you charming in it,” replied her friend.
At this unexpected mention of Bazilio’s name a sudden ecstasy of happiness took possession of Luiza. Everything seemed to her delightful,—to exist, to go out, to visit the Encarnação, to think of her lover,—and she went about as if she floated on air, without even feeling the weight of her own person. Where had she left her keys? She wanted them to get something she needed. On the bureau? Perhaps. She went to see. She ran out, giddy with happiness, singing,—
“Amici, la notte è bella.
La ra, la ra.”
She nearly stumbled over Juliana, who was sweeping the dining-room.