"My Paula, you will befriend me?"
Paula bridled at the address; arrogant in family-place, she would have assured him plainly that she was none of his, to begin with, had he been an atom less disconsolate.
"Never more than now!" said she, loftily.
Luigi did not understand her; her tone was kind, but there was a "never" in her words.
"I should be the most a friend," said Paula, unbending, "in urging you to forget us."
"Ah, never!"
"Let me say. Can you read?"
"Some things," replied Luigi quickly, his brow brightening.
"Can you write?"
"It may be. Alas! I have not tried."