I was afraid the Signor Marchese had taken it into his head
that I was Paolina Foscarelli. Lord love you! I could not make, nor
yet copy a picture, if it were to save my life!"
"My uncle will be equally happy to have it in his power to oblige
either lady," rejoined Ludovico.
"I am sure the Marchese is too good," said Signora Steno; "we remain
here till the Signorina Foscarelli has finished the job she has
undertaken, and no longer, nor no shorter. And some place we must
find to live in the while. And if your lordship could tell us where
we would be likely to find a couple of bedrooms, a bit of a sitting-
room, and the use of a kitchen, it would be very kind."
"There will be no difficulty about that, I think, Signora," said the
Marchese Ludovico; "I will go at once and inquire! I think I know
where what we want may be had. If you will permit me, I will return
to you here in less than half an hour."
"Troppo garbato, Signor Marchese!" said Orsola.
"If the Signorina will permit me," said Leandro, "I think I know of
just such a little quartierino as would suit her, snug, quiet, and
parfettamente libero."
To this offer, Paolina felt herself constrained to reply by a silent
little bow. His former speech had received no reply whatsoever.
"I think I had better do what my uncle has told me to do, Leandro,"
said the Marchese Ludovico, drily.
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