“I suppose that is the Sicilian blood, Gaspare. There is some in the Signorina’s veins, of course. And then, you know, both her father and I loved your country. I think the Signorina must often long to see Sicily.”
“Does she say so?” asked Gaspare, looking rather less calm.
“She has not lately. I think she is very happy here. Don’t you?”
“Si, Signora. But the Signorina is growing up now, and she is a little Sicilian anyhow, Signora.”
He paused, looking steadily at his Padrona.
“What is it, Gaspare? What do you want to say to me?”
“Signora, perhaps you will say it is not my business, but in my country we do not let girls go about by themselves after they are sixteen. We know it is better not. Ecco!”
Hermione had some difficulty in not smiling. But she knew that if she smiled he might be offended. So she kept her countenance and said:
“What do you mean, Gaspare? The Signorina is nearly always with me.”
“No, Signora. The Signorina can go wherever she likes. She can speak to any one she pleases. She is free as a boy is free.”