Manuelita hesitated; she thought perhaps Parlo might visit her.
Jacopo noticed her hesitation, and said with a smile that tore his heart into pieces:
"I have also asked Parlo to accompany us, because he is such good company!"
Manuelita's countenance began to beam, and Jacopo suffered the pains of torment when he perceived it, but took heart and said coolly:
"I shall in the meantime go to the shore to see whether the nets are all in proper condition."
He went, and when he returned after a while, and accidentally threw a glance at the window, he found Parlo in Manuelita's arms.
Pale as death and with tottering knees the unfortunate remained almost petrified on the spot; and when he revived a little and came ten minutes later into the house he appeared gay, and nobody could guess what anguish of soul he suffered.
"Are you ready?" he inquired quietly.
"Yes," nodded Manuelita.
"Then let us go; the nets are all ready."