"Why condolences?" asked Arduina.
"Because she's your sister-in-law," replied he.
Regina perceived that the author was very impudent, and she retreated to the table. Not finding Marianna she timidly possessed herself of another plate and took it to Massimo, who, also neglected and forgotten, was standing near the door.
"Oh, you're doing hostess, are you?" he said. "Look here! bring me a glass of that wine in the tall, gold-necked bottle at the corner of the table. Drink some yourself."
Regina went for it, but found the Princess herself pouring wine at that moment from the bottle with the golden neck.
"Massimo would like a glass of that," she murmured ingenuously.
"Beg pardon?" said the Princess, who fortunately had not heard.
Regina, however, found a wine-glass ready filled, and carried it to her brother-in-law; exquisite bouquet rose from the glass as perfume from a flower.
"It's port, you know," said Massimo, with genuine gratitude; "thanks, little sister-in-law! You're my salvation! 'Tis the wine of the modern gods."
"You are facetious to-night."