"I will tell you afterwards," Beppi replied noncommittally.
"I must go and find Maria," Lucia said, "I have not told her half the things I want to. She won't take proper care of my goats, I know, but no matter, I will do my best to tell her what to do."
She went into the convent. Maria was busy in the ward, but at Lucia's beckon she left what she was doing and went to her.
"Come over by Roderigo's bed," Lucia said, "we have only a little time to talk before we leave."
"Oh, but you must be excited!" Maria exclaimed.
"Look at her eyes," Roderigo laughed, "of course she is."
"Well, and why not," Lucia demanded, "wouldn't you be?" Roderigo shivered.
"If I were going this day, back to Napoli, I would die from joy," he said.
"Nonsense, that's what Lucia said about the King's speaking to her," Maria reminded, "but she's still alive, and the King not only spoke to her but kissed her too."
"Do you know," Lucia said quietly, "sometimes I think perhaps I am dead and this is Heaven."