"——running after Donna Maria del Carro's carriage. It was raining, and you had no umbrella."
"That's why I ran," he said, flattered and pleased.
"No, my dear boy; you ran after the carriage."
"Why?" asked the innocent Regina.
"How sweet you are!" said the cousin. "He ran to be seen, of course! The Marchesa del Carro likes handsome young men, even when she doesn't know them."
"Thank you very much," said Massimo, making a bow.
Then they all got excited and talked of innumerable titled persons of their acquaintance, telling their "lives and miracles." Signora Clara, not to be left out, was insistent in describing the reception costume of a countess.
Regina listened. She did not confess it to herself, but she was certainly pleased that her new relations had friends among the aristocracy.
At last they arrived at the coffee, and Signora Anna turned to Regina intending to say something pleasant.
"I expect you miss your Mamma," she began; "you can't get accustomed to the idea of a second mother."