You know
that I have never attempted to attract Ludovico in any way."
"Very well then; let his Venetian have him in peace," said Quinto,
shrugging his shoulders.
"Why, then, does that girl hate me as she does? What harm have I
ever done her?" returned Bianca.
"Why should you think she does hate you?" expostulated Quinto.
"I have told you that I saw it. I saw it in her eyes when Ludovico
was handing me the bouquet;--which he only did because his uncle
told him to do it. She would have blasted me to death with her look
at that moment if she could have done it;--I have a good mind--a
very good mind--"
"Be guided by me this once for the last time, as you have so often
been before; bambina mia," said Quinto, who thought that he now
understood the real state of the case; "make sure of your own game
first. Make all safe with the Marchese Lamberto. When you are the
Marchesa di Castelmare it will be time to take any revenge on the
Venetian you please."
"Ah--h--h--h!" sighed Bianca, shaking her head with an expression of
disgust; "you understand nothing about it, Quinto; you can't--of
course you can't. Gia," she continued, after a pause of thought;
"yes, I could take from her, poor fool, what she has; but could I,
Bianca Lalli, take it and keep it for myself? Ah me, it is weary
work! You might as well go and flaner, Quinto; for I must dress
ready for the Marchese, in case he comes this morning.
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