“I withdraw my protest,” said Peter. “They have gone to Rome for the feast of the Assumption. Afterwards they will come back.”
“Precisely, Signorino. But you have now the right to visit the castle, upon presentation of your card. You address yourself to the porter at the lodge. The castle is grand, magnificent. The Court of Honour alone is thirty metres long.”
Marietta stretched her hands to right and left as far as they would go.
“Marietta,” Peter enquired solemnly, “are you familiar with the tragedy of 'Hamlet'?”
Marietta blinked.
“No, Signorino.”
“You have never read it,” he pursued, “in that famous edition from which the character of the Prince of Denmark happened to be omitted?”
Marietta shook her head, wearily, patiently.
Wearily, patiently, “No, Signorino,” she replied.
“Neither have I,” said he, “and I don't desire to.”