"Yes," said the girl, simply.
They all burst out laughing, and again Regina felt choked.
Were they always like this in this house? Even Antonio, her Antonio, who was always gay, but with her never had shown himself vulgar—even he appeared in a new light.
Suddenly, however, while Signora Clara was repeating her description of the countess's dress, Regina saw her husband looking at her with distressed eyes, and she knew that her brows must have been contracted in a frown. He got up, came over, and stroked her hair.
"It's time for bed now. You're tired, aren't you?" he whispered, his voice almost supplicating.
Regina rose. Arduina and Claretta thought it necessary to run after her, embracing and kissing her. When they had conducted her to the bedroom, they kissed her again.
Now she was alone with Antonio, and great was her relief. But alas! the door opened immediately, and in came the mother-in-law.
"What is it?" asked Regina, dismayed; and she threw herself on one of the immense, encumbering arm-chairs, and closed her eyes.
Signora Anna, sighing as usual, advanced to the bed.