"Are they?" Marcello turned sharply as he asked the question.
He was surprised, and at the same instant it flashed upon him that Folco had just received the information from Settimia in the note that had been brought.
"Yes," Folco answered with a smile. "And Pontresina is such a small place that you can hardly help meeting them. I thought I might as well tell you."
"Thank you. Yes, it would be awkward, and unpleasant for them."
"Precisely. The Contessa wrote me that she and Aurora had come upon you two unexpectedly in leaving a theatre, and that she had felt very uncomfortable."
"Oh! I suppose she suggested that I should mend my ways?"
"As a matter of fact, she did." Corbario smiled. "You know what a very proper person she is!"
"She is quite right," answered Marcello gravely.
"It certainly cannot have been pleasant for her, on account of Aurora."
Folco looked at him thoughtfully, for his tone had suddenly changed.