“And I had come back in such bad spirits! But now—”
She took off her hat and put it on a table.
“Why were you in bad spirits, my friend?”
“I had been with Madame Alliani, seeing something of the intense misery and wickedness of Naples. I have seen a girl—such a tragedy! What devils men can be in these Southern places! What hideous things they will do under the pretence of being driven by love! But—no, don’t let us spoil your arrival. Where is Vere? I thought she was entertaining you.”
“We have been having tea together. She has this moment gone out of the room.”
“Oh!”
She seemed to expect some further explanation. As he gave none she sat down.
“Wasn’t she very surprised to see you?”
“I think she was. She had just been bathing, and came running in with her hair all about her, looking like an Undine with a dash of Sicilian blood in her. Here she is!”
“Are you pleased, Madre? You poor, hot Madre!”