“Ruffo, the Signora is in the house.”
“Si, Signore.”
“I don’t think she is very well. I don’t think she will leave the house to-night. Wouldn’t you like to see her?”
“Signore, I always like to see the Signora.”
“And I think she likes to see you. I know she does.”
“Si, Signore. The Signora is always glad when I come.”
He spoke without conceit or vanity, with utterly sincere simplicity.
“Go to the house and ask to see her now—Gaspare will take you.”
As he spoke he looked at Gaspare, and Gaspare understood.
“Come on, Ruffo!”