Notwithstanding the hour and Antonio's promise of dispatch, the supper lasted an immense time. It was served by a strapping, fair-haired girl in a pink blouse, who never took her astonished eyes from the bride's face, and every moment tripped and stumbled, as if determined to break something.
This figure which came and went seemed the principal one of the picture. Every one watched the girl and talked to her. Signora Anna started every time she opened the door.
Even Antonio addressed her.
"Well, Marina, and how are all the sweethearts?" he asked; and added, indicating Regina, "are you satisfied? Which is the prettier, she or Signora Arduina?"
Marina blushed, giggled, ran away, and did not return.
Presently Gaspare rose gravely, threw his napkin over his shoulder, and went in search of her. An altercation was heard in the kitchen. Then Gaspare returned, wrathful and very red.
"Mother, the mutton is burnt!" he announced tragically; "you must go and see after it."
The old lady groaned, got up, went out, came back—and did not stay quiet for another moment!
"Mother!" implored Antonio, "do sit down!"