'Signora!' said Angelo, placing one hand on his chest and looking into a mirror, for he was in love with himself. 'Signora, non è vero!'
'You would tell me, by way of excuse,' said Faustina laughing, 'that they run after you.'
'Not that either; I am longing for the Italian sky, Italian faces, and the heart of an Italian woman--I wither here--'
Faustina glanced at him and made a sign to the servants to leave the room.
'Ingrato!' whispered she. 'We all pet you, and yet you complain.'
Then she turned her gaze to the ceiling taking no notice of Monticelli's devouring eyes.
'Has Abbuzzi come?' she asked.
'I don't know.'
'You do not wish to know about Abbuzzi!'
'I don't care about her.'