“Is he learned in history?” inquired Alberto, with the childish curiosity of ignorance.
“So, so; don’t let us talk about him any more. This morning he has spoilt my day for me. What were you saying when he left, Signor Lieti?”
“What was I saying? I don’t remember....”
“You were saying that your wife had sent you here at three,” suggested Alberto, as if he were repeating a lesson.
“Ecco! Ah, to be sure.... And after breakfast I went to a shooting-gallery, then I had a talk with the Member for Caserta about the local Exhibition in September, and then I came on here, with weighty communications, Signora Lucia.”
“I’m off,” said Alberto.
“What, because of me? As for what I have to say, you may hear every word of it.”
“The reason is that now that the sun has come out, I want to take a turn in the Villa before it sets,” said Alberto, pensively. “It will do me good, I want to get an appetite for dinner.”
“Go, dear Alberto, go and take your walk. I wish I could come too! The sun must be glorious outside; salute it for me.”
“Remember your promise.”