"You have made a mistake, Signor Conte," she said, quietly enough. "I am
an honest girl, and though you are a great signore I will tell you that
if you had any honour you would not be making love to me out here in the
garden while you are paying court to the Signorina when you are in the
house, and doing your best to marry her. It is infamous enough, what you
are doing, and I am not afraid to tell you so. And take back your gold,
for I do not want it, and it is not clean! And so good-day, Signor
Conte, and many thanks. When you asked me to come here, I thought you
had some private message for the Signorina."
During Teresina's speech San Miniato had not betrayed the slightest
surprise or disappointment. He quietly lighted a cigarette and smiled
good-humouredly all the time.
"My dear Teresina," he said, when she had finished, "what in the world
do you think I wanted of you? Not only am I paying court to your
signorina, as you say, but I am already betrothed to her, since last
night. You did not know that?"
"The greater the shame!" exclaimed the girl, growing angry.
"Not at all, my dear child.
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