"Hypocrite, hypocrite!" repeated Cesare, also laughing. "Come, I'll warrant that the obstinate fidelity of Caracciolo has at last made an impression. Admirable! He's been in love with you for a hundred years."
"Oh, Cesare, don't joke about such subjects," Anna begged, in pain.
"You see, Laura, she is troubled."
"She's troubled, it's true," affirmed Laura.
"You're both of you heartless," Anna murmured.
Cesare opened his cigarette case, and playfully offered a cigarette to each of the ladies.
"I don't smoke," said Laura.
"Why don't you learn to?"
"Smoke is bad for the teeth;" and she showed her own, shining like those of Beatrice in the tale by Edgar Poe.
"You're right, fair Minerva. Will you smoke, Anna?"