And ever since the day in
which the memorable conversation between her and her lover, which
has been recorded in a former chapter, had taken place, Paolina had
never felt the smallest embarrassment or even shyness in her
intercourse with him. And she received him now with openly expressed
rejoicing, that the chance of Orsola's absence gave them the
opportunity of being for a little while alone together.
"I called at this early hour, tesoro mio," said Ludovico, "mainly to
tell you that I have made all the necessary arrangements at St.
Apollinare in Classe, and you can begin your work there as soon as
you like. What a dreary place it is. To think of my little Paolina
working, working away all by herself in that dismal old barn of a
church out there amid the swamps!"
"Oh, I shan't be a bit afraid. I am so accustomed to work all by
myself."
"No, there is nothing to be afraid of! Do you think I should let you
go there alone, if there were? You will find the scaffolding all
ready for you."
"Thanks, dearest, I am so much obliged to you; I should never have
been able to get my task done without your help. Ah, how strange
things are! To think, that that Englishman, in sending me here,
should have been--"
"Should have been sending me my destined wife. Who ever in the world
did me so great a service as this Signor Vilobe, who never had a
thought of me in his mind.
Pages:
368
369
370
371
372
373
374
375
376
377
378
379
380
381
382
383
384
385
386
387
388
389
390
391
392