“Say it, Caterina.”
“I entreat you....”
“Bah, innocent witch, I know what it is.”
“What is it you know...?” blushing.
“I know why you are so preoccupied; it’s the Naples letter that upset you.”
Her timid eyes entreated his forgiveness for both of them.
“I am not vexed with you,” said he, slowly. “If I don’t like the girl, I respect your affection for her: she is the friend of your childhood. You don’t love her better than me, I hope?”
“No,” she said, simply.
“Well, that is all I care for. Don’t plague yourself about anything else. And ... is the letter interesting?”
“Very.”