VI

ithconfusedsounds.Cursesandimprecationswerehurledonherfromeverysidetheyrailedatherpride,theycalledherfoulnames....Sixyearsbefore,whenshehappenedtocrossthestreets,thepeoplehadhurriedforwardtolookather,withjoyintheirheartsandblessingsontheirlips.Theyvowedtheywoulddieforher,theywereinecstasiesathergraciousness. IwenthomethinkingofallthesethingsandofDonnaGiulia.IwasratheramusedatmyunintentionalkissIwonderedifshewasthinkingofme....Shereallywasacharmingcreature,andIwasgladattheideaofseeingheragainonthemorrow.Ilikedhersimple,ferventpiety.Shewasinthehabitofgoingregularlytomass,andhappeningtoseeheroneday,Iwasstruckwithherdevoutair,fulloffaithshealsowenttoconfessionalfrequently.Itwasratherabsurdtothinkshewastheperversebeingpeoplepretended.... WhenIreachedthePalazzoOrsiIfoundthesameexcitementasoutsideinthepiazza,Girolamohadheardofthedisputeintheloggia,andhadsentforCheccotohearhisviewsonthesubjectofthetax.Theaudiencewasfixedforthefollowingmorningateleven,andasChecconeverwentanywherewithoutattendants,ScipioneMoratini,Giulia'ssecondbrother,andIwereappointedtoaccompanyhim.MatteowasnottogoforfearofthepresenceofthetwomostprominentmembersofthefamilytemptingtheCounttosomesuddenaction. ThefollowingmorningIarrivedatSanStefanoathalf-pastnine,andtomysurprisefoundGiuliawaitingforme. 'Ididnotthinkyouwouldbeoutoftheconfessionalsosoon,'Isaid.'Wereyoursinssosmallthisweek?' 'Ihaven'tbeen,'sheanswered.'Scipionetoldmethatyouandheweretoa