"
"A look? Yes; and I looked all I could look. I saw a charming face,
younger and fresher looking than might have been expected from the
length of time she has been on the boards,--a very pretty figure, as
far as her travelling-dress would show it one; and the loveliest
foot and ankle I ever saw in my life. I could swear to that again at
any time. Don't you remember how she stood with her foot down on the
step, when she was getting out of the carriage. I thought at the
time that she knew what she was about very well."
"Of course she did. Do you think they don't always know very well,
every one of them, off the stage or on the stage?" said Farini.
"But I want to know what sort of body, she is?" returned Manutoli;
"I don't need to be told that she is a very lovely woman; but of
what sort is she? Why does she keep us all at a distance? What is
her game?"
"Upon my life I don't know," answered Ludovico, "unless it's a
devouring passion for Leandro. I protest I have no reason to think
she cares a button for anything but her own art. I never tried; but
it's my impression that if I had ever whispered a word in her ear I
should have got a flea in my own for my pains."
"You don't want to make us believe that you have been seeing her
frequently all this time,--passing hours with her a quattro occhi,
and have never made love to her, Ludovico?" said Farini.
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