But she was interrupted by Gaspare, who came from a second inspection of the kitchen.
"My dear mother, just come and look. Come!" he insisted, flicking the corner of his napkin, "there's a flood in the kitchen. She has left the tap running."
The old lady had to get up; panting and puffing she followed her son to the kitchen. Presently Marina was heard sobbing.
"The man's unbearable!" said Arduina; "is that poor girl a slave? From the point of view of——"
"From the social point of view—" suggested Massimo.
"Pardon me," observed Aunt Clara, "she left the tap running."
"If ever I marry a man who meddles in the kitchen," said Claretta, tightening her sash at the looking-glass, "I'll give him—from the social point of view—such a hiding——"
"I too!" agreed the authoress.
Sor Mario, who was picking his teeth ferociously, uttered a grunt.
Signora Anna came back followed by Marina, her eyes red, her lips quivering.