"I can hardly say. I don't know what you are talking about!"
"Eh! has the Signore no ears? I speak of Guiseppe Pallanza!"
"What, the tenor at the Teatro Ezzelino?"
"Yes, Signore, he is the engaged one of the Signorina here, and----"
"Enough, enough, Petronella!" cried Bianca, her face flushing. "Do not trouble the Signor with these chatterings."
"Oh, it's no trouble," I replied quickly. "Perhaps I can help you, Signorina, if you require help!"
"Eh, eh!" assented Petronella approvingly, "the English have long heads, piccola. Tell him all and he will find out what others cannot find out. And you, Maestro, the colezione is ready."
She tenderly led the old man into the next room, and I was thus left alone with Bianca, who had retreated to the window, where she stood twisting her handkerchief with nervous confusion.
"Do not tell me, Signorina, if you would rather not," I said gently.
"Ah, Signore, if I thought you would be my friend!"