He did not protest, for now they were down by the sea, and saw the fishing-boats swaying gently on the water.
"Get in Maddalena. I will row."
He untied the rope, while she stepped lightly in, then he pushed the boat off, jumping in himself from the rocks.
"You are like a fisherman, signore," said Maddalena.
He smiled and drew the great bladed oars slowly through the calm water, leaning towards her with each stroke and looking into her eyes.
"I wish I were really a fisherman," he said, "like your father!"
"Why, signore?" she asked, in astonishment.
"Because it's a free life, because it's a life I should love."
She still looked at him with surprise.
"But a fisherman has few soldi, signorino."