'How is it that now you never speak to me? Are you so angry with me?'
'No one can be angry with so beautiful a woman.'
She flushed, and I felt I had said a stupid thing, for I had made
remarks too similar on another occasion. I added, 'But I have been
away.'
'I know. Will you not come in?' She pointed to the house from which she
had just issued.
'But I shall be disturbing you, for you were going out.'
She smiled as she replied. 'I saw you pass my house a little while ago;
I guessed you were going to Matteo d'Orsi, and I waited for you on your
return.'
'You are most kind.'
I wondered why she was so anxious to see me. Perhaps she knew of her
husband's approaching banishment, and the cause of it.
We went in and sat down.
'Have you been home?' she asked.
It was the same question as Matteo had asked. I gave the same answer.
'It was the first thing I thought of.'
'Your wife must have been--surprised to see you.'
'And delighted.'
'Ah!' She crossed her hands and smiled.