"Ah, Barbarina, will we never again return to our beautiful Italy?" said Marietta, tearfully.
"Did I say that, sister? I said only, I would not appear in public."
"But, Barbarina, he entreats so earnestly, and he offers you an enormous salary!"
"I am rich enough, Marietta."
"No! no one is rich enough! Money is power, and the more millions one has to spend, the more is one beloved."
"What care I for the love of men? I despise them all—all!" cried
Barbarina, passionately.
"What! all?" said Marietta, with a meaning smile; "all—even
Cocceji?"
Babarina raised herself hastily, and leaning upon her elbow, she gazed with surprise upon her sister. "You think, then, that I love Cocceji?"
"Did you not tell me so yourself?"
"Ah! I said so myself, did I?" said Barbarina, contemptuously, and sinking back into her former quiet position.