That afternoon Marietta asked, “Would you care to visit the castle, Signorino?”
He was seated under his willow-tree, by the river, smoking cigarettes—burning superfluous time.
Marietta pointed towards Ventirose.
“Why?” said he.
“The family are away. In the absence of the family, the public are admitted, upon presentation of their cards.”
“Oho!” he cried. “So the family are away, are they?”
“Yes, Signorino.”
“Aha!” cried he. “The family are away. That explains everything. Have—have they been gone long?”
“Since a week, ten days, Signorino.”
“A week! Ten days!” He started up, indignant. “You secretive wretch! Why have you never breathed a word of this to me?”