“Eh, who knows?” she answered carelessly. “For that you have to take your chance with the rest.”
Peppina had learnt from Cesare to mock at omens which came to others, but she could not help being still terrified when she encountered them herself.
“That is news!” retorted Nina scornfully. “If it was not for the chance it would be easy.”
“You or another. There are enough of you! One, two, three, four, five,” the girl counted on her fingers. “Five chances. Try the cards if you want to know which.”
“Who it comes from, rather,” said the other with significance.
Peppina darted a look from under her long eyelashes, and her voice slightly shook.
“Will they tell you that? I do not believe it.”
“Will they? Altro! One as much as the other,” said Nina, enjoying her uneasiness. “And I say an apoplexy upon whoever it is! An apoplexy!”
“Be quiet!” cried Peppina angrily, a spasm crossing her face, and her hand almost unconsciously signing against the evil eye; “be quiet with your jay’s voice, when my signora is trying to sleep above. Who talks of apoplexies?”
Nina was too well pleased with the effect she had produced to be affronted.