“Oh, it does not matter,” interrupted Roberto.
The interruption was too quick, and hardly flattering to the absent one.
“And you did not go?” he resumed.
“No, you know I am not very fond of balls.”
“Do you prefer reading?”
“Yes, very much.”
“Are you not afraid of doing yourself harm?”
“I have good eyes,” replied Sofia, raising them to the face of her questioner.
“And beautiful ones,” thought Roberto, “but expressionless. I meant—”
“Moral injury, perhaps. I do not think so. From the books that I read I always derive great peace.”