"Are you going crazy, Signor Anania?" she said, snatching her hand away.
"Signora Maria, do you believe in spirits? No? Yet they exist. I believe in them. Last night a friendly spirit came and told me many things, among them, that you are my mother."
Maria laughed, somewhat forcedly, as if wishing to hide something. The young man saw he had chosen a very childish method of approaching her. Yet if she was really his mother she could not fail to be upset, finding he had guessed it. However she laughed, perhaps trying to carry off some terror of informing spirits.
"You really are crazy. I only wish I were your mother!" she said.
The voice of Aunt Varvara was heard calling her mistress.
"I can't waste any more time," said Signora Maria, turning to go away.
"What shall I say to Daga?" said Anania, brushing his hair.
"Say that if he comes here, I shall throw him downstairs. Do you see?"
"No, I don't see. Signora Maria! wait! Explain to me, do! Don't go away! What does it all mean?"
But she vanished into the darkness of the ante-room, making no reply.