There was a burst of applause from the multitude. The second race was over, and the favourite had won, a Naples-bred horse. People crowded about the bookmakers, to receive the value of their bets.
"Perhaps Cesare has won," said Laura. "He was always talking about Amarilli."
"Cesare always wins," said Luigi.
"He is not named Cesare[B] for nothing," said Anna, proudly.
"And like the great Julius all his victories were won after he had turned forty—especially those in Germany."[C]
But Anna did not hear this malicious pleasantry. She was thinking of other things.
By and by her husband came to her.
"Are you enjoying it, Anna?" he asked.
"Yes, I am enjoying it."
"And you, Laura?"