"Why, this man, Bassanio, has just got a letter that says his dearest friend is going to be killed, because he owes money that he cannot pay; and as the money was borrowed for his own sake, of course he feels very badly about it."
"But people are not killed because they cannot pay money," said Nora. "I have seen people come to papa for money, and they didn't do anything to him because he hadn't it."
"No, but—those were different times," said Daisy—"and Bassanio lived in a different country. His friend owed money to a dreadful man, who was going to cut out two pounds of his flesh to pay for it. So of course that would kill him."
"O, look at Theresa now!" said Nora.
The young lady had brought her muscles into order; and being clever enough in her merry way, she had taken the look of the character and was giving it admirably. It was hardly Theresa; her moveable face was composed to such an expression of simple inquiry and interest and affectionate concern. The spectators applauded eagerly; but Nora whispered,
"What does she look like that, for?"
"Why, it's the picture," said Daisy. "But what does she look so for?"
"She is Bassanio's wife—they have just got married; and she looks so because he looks so, I suppose. She does not know what is in the letter."
"Is he going to tell her?"
"Not in the picture—" said Daisy, feeling a little amused at Nora's simplicity. "He did tell her in the story."