“Well, then, yes.”
“Then swallow a glass of cognac, at once.”
“No, Andrea, I won’t let her drink it. It would do her harm.”
“What fun! don’t you feel tempted, Signora Lucia?”
“I do ... rather....” after a little hesitation.
“Brava, brava! You too, Caterina, it doesn’t hurt you. And even Giuditta....”
“No; it would intoxicate the child.”
“Ma che! Just a drop in the bottom of the glass.”
Lucia drank off hers without the slightest sign of perturbation, then she turned pale. Giuditta, after swallowing hers, blushed crimson, coughing and sneezing until her eyes filled with tears. Every one laughed, while Caterina beat her gently on the back.
“I think you are drinking too much to-night, Andrea,” she whispered in his ear.