The maids placed the dishes on the table and poured out wine, and Zoë began to eat in silence, without paying any attention to Zeno. That is one way of showing indifference, and both men and women use it, yet it still remains surprisingly effective.
'What is the matter with you?' Zeno asked, suddenly.
Zoë pretended to be surprised and then smiled coldly.
'Oh! you mean, because I am hungry, I suppose. I have been in the open air. It must be that.'
She at once took another mouthful, and went on eating.
'No,' answered Zeno, watching her. 'I did not mean that.'
She raised her beautiful eyebrows, just as he had raised his a few minutes earlier, but she said nothing and seemed very busy with the fish. Carlo took another piece, swallowed some of it deliberately, and drank a little before he leaned back in his chair and spoke again.
'Something has happened,' he said at last with great conviction.
'Really?' Zoë pretended surprised interest. 'What?' she asked with affected eagerness.
'You understand me perfectly,' he replied with a shade of sternness, for he was growing tired of her mood.