But tell me," she continued, "shall you consider--admitting your proposition--that in ceasing to flirt with Mr.Hudson, so that he may go about his business, I do something magnanimous, heroic, sublime--something with a fine name like that ?" Rowland, elated with the prospect of gaining his point, was about to reply that she would deserve the finest name in the world; but he instantly suspected that this tone would not please her, and, besides, it would not express his meaning.
"You do something I shall greatly respect," he contented himself with saying.
She made no answer, and in a moment she beckoned to her maid.

"What have I to do to-day ?" she asked.
Assunta meditated.

"Eh, it 's a very busy day! Fortunately I have a better memory than the signorina," she said, turning to Rowland.

She began to count on her fingers.

"We have to go to the Pie di Marmo to see about those laces that were sent to be washed.