Paolo. Which is to say that my company would have weighed upon you.
Anna. Not weighed. It would have annoyed me.
Paolo. May one ask why?
Anna. You may as well. Because I was shadowed by an unhappiness which you ignored at the time, whereas now you know the reasons. Knowing them, you will understand that I must be very worried, but for the sake of your peace I must hide my unhappiness, seeing that I had nothing to reproach myself with in relation to you. You understand that for two to be together, always together, it would be more difficult to pretend all the time—all the time! While the presence of a third person—
Mario. But listen—listen—
Anna. Mario had the good idea to accompany us.
Paolo. Mario, who knew him!
Anna. I ignore that.
Paolo. Did he ever speak of it?
Mario. Do not reply, Anna, do not answer, come away—he is ill, he does not reason—poor devil—it will pass and he will understand then—