XIV

meandbreakatediousconversation. 'Howcouldyou!'Iwhispered. Notwithstandingherself-control,afaintblushcameoverherface.IstoodlookingatherforalittlewhileandthenIturnedaway.Shewasquiteheartless.IlefttheMoratiniandwalkedoutintothetown.Thislastinterviewhadhelpedmeinsofarthatitmadecertainthatmylovewashopeless.Istoodstillandstampedontheground,vowingIwouldnotloveher.Iwouldputherawayfrommythoughtsentirelyshewasacontemptible,viciouswoman,andIwastooproudtobesubjecttoher.IwonderedIdidnotkillher.ImadeupmymindtotakemycourageinbothhandsandleaveForli.Onceaway,Ishouldfindmyselfattractedtodifferentmatters,andprobablyIshouldnotlivelongbeforefindingsomeotherwomantotakeGiulia'splace.ShewasnottheonlywomaninItalyshewasnotthemostbeautifulnorthecleverest.GivemeamonthandIcouldlaughatmytorments.... ThesameeveningItoldMatteoImeanttoleaveForli. 'Why?'heaskedinastonishment. 'Ihavebeenhereseveralweeks,'Ianswered'Idon'twanttooutstaymywelcome.' 'Thatisrubbish.YouknowIshouldbeonlytoogladforyoutostayhereallyourlife.' 'Thatisverykindofyou,'Ireplied,withalaugh,'buttheestablishmentisnotyours.' 'Thatmakesnodifference.Besides,Checcohasbecomeveryfondofyou,andI'msurehewishesyoutostay.' 'Ofcours