“... I happened to pass this way. Besides, the place is full of people; there is no reason why I should not pass through it.”
“Stay here, you must be fond of flowers.”
“No; I don’t care for them. This atmosphere is heavy with perfume.”
“Do you think so? I don’t notice it.”
“Oh! it is overpowering. I don’t know how so many ladies can endure it.”
“I will exchange explanations with you, Signor Andrea. I adore these flowers and appreciate them. Look at this jasmin; it is a star-like Spanish flower of strong perfume—a creeper that will cling as tenaciously as humble, constant love.”
“What do you know of love?” said Andrea, ironically.
“What is unknown to others, and what you do not know,” she replied. “Look, look, how beautiful is that large sheaf of white and tea-roses, how light and delicate its colouring!”
“You wore the same flowers at the Casacalenda ball, and at the Inauguration the other day.”
“You have a good memory. Does this inspection weary you?”