“What is Peppino saying to the gentleman?”
She, looking up and smiling, in an amused and friendly way, said—
“Oh! Peppino is always talking to people.”
“Some of them seem to enjoy his conversation.”
“Do you mean the gentleman?” she said, looking away.
“No, I do not,” I replied, and she blushed delightfully.
As I led her back to her seat, I said, “If Peppino asks me about my partner, I shall tell him that I have just danced with the most beautiful and charming young lady in the world, and that her future husband, whoever he may be, will be an extremely fortunate man.”
She replied, “Thank you very much, but I do not suppose Peppino will ask you anything about me.”
“I shall tell him what I think of you whether he asks me or not,” said I, bowing.
It was now nearly two o’clock and I got Peppino to take me away. Remembering what Brancaccia had said, I began at once—