‘Scusi, signorina. I—I did not mean to. It was just an accident, signorina.’
Constance turned her back and stared at the road.
‘It was not my fault. Truly it was not my fault. I did not wish to kiss you—no nevair. But I could not help it. You put your head too close.’
She raised her eyes and studied the mountain-top.
‘Signorina, why you treat me so cruel?’
Her back was inflexible.
‘I am desolate. If you forgive me zis once I will nevair again do a sing so wicked. Nevair, nevair, nevair.’
Constance continued her inspection of the mountain-top. Tony leaned forward until he could see her face.
‘Signorina,’ he whispered, ‘jus’ give me one li’l’ smile to show me you are not angry for ever.’
The stage had stopped and Mr. Wilder was climbing down, but Constance’s gaze was still fixed on the sky, and Tony’s eyes were on her.