Gelsomina gazed at the fair speaker, but it was evident that she did not clearly comprehend the question. Again Violetta looked at the governess as if asking aid.
"The duties of our sex are often painful," said Donna Florinda, understanding the appeal with female instinct. "Our attachments may not always follow the wishes of our friends. We may not choose, but we cannot always obey."
"I have heard that noble ladies are not suffered to see those to whom they are to be wedded, Signora, if that is what your eccellenza means, and, to me, the custom has always seemed unjust, if not cruel."
"And are females of thy class permitted to make friends among those who may become dearer at any other day?" asked Violetta.
"Lady, we have that much freedom even in the prisons."
"Then art thou happier than those of the palaces! I will trust thee, generous girl, for thou canst not be unfaithful to the weakness and wrongs of thy sex."
Gelsomina raised a hand, as if to stop the impetuous confidence of her guest, and then she listened intently.
"Few enter here," she said; "but there are many ways of learning secrets within these walls which are still unknown to me. Come deeper into the rooms, noble ladies, for here is a place that I have reason to think is safe, even from listeners."
The keeper's daughter led the way into the little room in which she was accustomed to converse with Jacopo.
"You were saying, lady, that I had a feeling for the weakness and helplessness of our sex, and surely you did me justice."