His face betrayed neither
pleasure nor surprise as he sauntered along the path, until he was close
to her. Then both stopped, and he smiled, bending down and looking into
her eyes.
"For charity's sake, Signor Conte!" cried the girl, drawing back,
blushing and looking behind her quickly. "I ought never to have come
here. Why did you make me come?"
"What an idea, Teresina!" laughed San Miniato softly. "And if you ask me
why I wanted you to come, here is the reason. Now tell me, Teresinella,
is it a good reason or not?"
Thereupon San Miniato produced from his waistcoat pocket a little limp
parcel wrapped in white tissue paper and laid it in Teresina's hand. It
was heavy, and she guessed that it contained something of gold.
"What is it?" she asked quickly. "Am I to give it to the Signorina?"
"To the Signorina!" San Miniato laughed softly again and laid his hand
very gently on the girl's arm. "Yes," he whispered, bending down to her.
"To the Signorina Teresinella, who can have all she asks for if she will
only care a little for me."
"Heavens, Signor Conte!" cried Teresina. "Was it to say this that you
made me come?"
"This and a great deal more, Teresina bella.
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