'I am anxious to hear of your quarrel with Ercole Piacentini. I have
heard quite ten different stories.'
'I am surprised that the insolence of an ill-bred fellow should rouse
such interest.'
'We must talk of something in Forli. The only thing I hear for certain
is that he insulted you, and you were prevented from getting
satisfaction.'
'That will come later.'
She lowered her voice and took my arm.
'But my brother tells me that Checco d'Orsi has made you promise to do
nothing.'
'I shall get my revenge--having to wait for it will only make it
sweeter.'
Then, supposing she had nothing further to say to me, I stood still, as
if expecting her to leave me. She looked up suddenly.
'Am I incommoding you?' she said.
'How could you!' I replied gallantly.
'I thought you wanted to get rid of me.'
'How can such an idea have entered your head? Do you not see that all
men lie humble at your feet, attentive to every word and gesture?'
'Yes,' she answered, 'but not you!'
Of course I protested.
'Oh,' she said, 'I saw very well that you avoided me. When you came in
here--you hardly came near me.'
'I did not think you would notice my inattention.'
'Certainly I noticed it; I was afraid I had offended you. I could not
think how.'
'My dear lady, you have certainly done nothing to offend me.'
'Then, why do you avoid me?' she asked petulantly.
'Really,' I said, 'I don't. Perhaps in my modesty I thought it would be
a matter of indifference to you whether I was at your side or not. I am
sorry I have annoyed you.'
'I don't like people not to like me,' she said in a plaintive way.
'But why should you think I do not like you? Indeed, without flattery, I
can assure you that I think you one of the most beautiful women I have
ever seen.'
A faint blush came over her cheeks, and a smile broke out on her lips;
she looked up at me with a pretty reproachful air.
'Then, why don't you let me see it more plainly?'
I smiled, and, looking into her eyes, was struck by their velvet
softness. I almost thought she was as charming as she was beautiful.
'Do you really wish to know?' I said, in reply to her question.
'Do tell me!' she said, faintly pressing my arm.
'I thought you had so many admirers that you could well do without me.'
'But, you see,' she answered charmingly, 'I cannot!'
'And then I have a certain dislike to losing myself in a crowd. I did
not wish to share your smiles with twenty others.'
'And would you for that refuse them altogether?'
'I have always avoided the woman who is the object of general
admiration. I think I am too proud to struggle for favours; I would
rather dispense with them.'
'But, then, supposing the lady wishes to favour you especially, you do
not give her the opportunity.'
'That is so rare,' I replied, 'that it is not worth while breaking the
rule.'
'But it may happen.'