Giovanni took a step towards her, determined to conquer her reticence.

She had a presentiment of this, and, as an expedient, she asked what his predictions concerning the weather were.
The sky was completely overcast; low, heavy clouds rolled down from the crests of Monte Calvo upon the Cappuccini and the Rocca.

The air was warm, the roar of the Anio loud.

Far below, the road to Subiaco, like a winding ribbon and almost black with mud, was visible through the foliage of the olives.

Giovanni answered; "Rain." Noemi at once asked how far it was from the little villa to the convents.