“It would have pained her ... and....”
“Pained her for whom? For your sake, perhaps.”
“For yours. She loves you.”
“True. Caterina is an excellent creature, Signor Andrea: her good qualities are remarkable, although they make no show. Love her ever, for she deserves it; love her with all your might. Before my marriage, I used to fear that my Caterina, my sweet friend, was unhappy. She loves you above all; make her happy....”
Caterina was coming towards them, smiling, and a little out of breath.
“Have I kept you waiting very long? Have you been here long, Andrea?”
“No; not very long.”
“Did the Prime Minister speak to you?”
“Yes; he was very complimentary.”
“About the wheat?”