“Poor dear, I know what I cost you. But you’ll see how soon I shall get strong, and how we shall amuse ourselves this winter. There will be fêtes, balls, races.”

“I shall never be gay again.”

“Lucia, I shall have to scold you.”

“No, no; let us talk of something else.”

“If you are going to church, you are but just in time.”

“Do you send me away, Alberto?”

“It is midday; you have to go as far as Santa Chiara ... and the sooner you go the sooner you will be back.”

“True, the sooner back.... I must go, mustn’t I?”

“Of course, the air will do you good. Go on foot, the walk will be good for you.”

“What will you do, meanwhile?”