All the elderly ladies and gentlemen followed the hostess, and seated themselves round the room, in which a sumptuous table was laid. Marianna ran hither and thither, distributing the tea.
"Could you help?" she asked, passing Regina; "you seem like a girl. Come with me."
Regina followed her to the table, but did not know what to do; she upset a jug and blushed painfully.
"Here!" said Marianna, giving her a plate, "take that to the man like a dog."
"Which man? Speak low!"
"The man beside your sister-in-law. He's an author."
Regina crossed the room shyly, carrying the plate, and imagining every one was looking at her. There was consolation in the thought that she was about to offer a slice of tart to an author.
"Oh, Signorina!" he exclaimed, with a deprecating bow.
"Signora, if you please!" said Arduina, "she's my sister-in-law."
"My compliments and my condolences," said the man, insolently; he rolled his great eyes round the room and added, "In this company you seem a child."