"You treat me like a child," Sabina said with a little petulance. "You have no right to!"
"Shall I treat you like a woman, Donna Sabina?" he said, suddenly serious.
"Yes. I am sure I am old enough."
"If you were not, I should certainly not feel as I do towards you."
"What do you mean?"
"If you are a woman, you probably guess."
"No."
"You may be offended," suggested Malipieri.
"Not unless you are rude—or pity me." She smiled now.
"Is it very rude to like a person?" he asked. "If you think it is, I will not go on."