I was infinitely happy!
"A few steps further, and he broke an acacia for my sister: ah! I was
miserable!
"We ascended into the great saloon, and a cheerful evening followed.
Fascinated by these first impressions of Venice, Luigi abandoned himself
to his abundant genius, and left us at midnight, mutually enchanted. Youth
and sympathy had overcome all other considerations. We had planned endless
days of enjoyment. He had promised to show us his sketches. It was not
until our mother asked of my brother who he was, that all the human facts
appeared.
"'Heavens!' shouted my younger sister, Fiora, laughing with delight,
'think of the _noble_ Marchese Cicada, who simpers, _per Bacco_, that the
day is warm, and, _per dieci_, that I am lovelier than ever. Viva Luigi!
Viva O il pittore.'
"'My daughter,' said my grave, cautious mother, 'you are very young
yet--you do not understand these things. Good night, my child!'
"Fiora kissed her on the brow, and darted out of the room as if she were
really alive.
"When she had gone, Camillo smiled in his cold, calm way, and turning to
me, asked how I liked Luigi. I answered calmly, for I was of the same
blood as my brother.
Pages:
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208