"So you have decided?" His lips twitched slightly and the veins upon his forehead contracted.
Mariana shook out a night-gown which she had taken from a drawer, folded it carefully, and laid it in the trunk.
"There is nothing else to do," she replied, mechanically, as if she were fencing with fate from a corner into which she had been driven.
Algarcife closed the book and rose to his feet. He pressed his hand upon his eyes to screen them from the glare of light. Then he moistened his lips before speaking.
"Do you realize what it means?" he asked.
Mariana lowered her head into the trunk and her voice sounded from among the clothes.
"There is nothing else to do," she repeated, as mechanically as before.
"I hope that it will be for your happiness," said Algarcife, and turned away. Then he went towards her in sudden determination.
"Is there anything that I can help you about?"
Mariana stood up and shook her head. "I think not," she answered. "Signor Morani calls for me to-morrow at six."