It might have continued for some time in a profound silence as far as the two men were concerned, but silence was not bearable for long to Donna Tullia.
"What were you and Saracinesca talking about yesterday ?" she asked suddenly, looking towards Del Ferice.
"Politics," he answered, and was silent.
"Well ?" inquired Madame Mayer, rather anxiously.
"I am sure you know his views as well as I," returned Del Ferice, rather gloomily.

"He is stupid and prejudiced." "Really ?" ejaculated Gouache, with innocent surprise.

"A little more towards me, Madame.

Thank you--so." And he continued painting.
"You are absurd, Del Ferice!" exclaimed Donna Tullia, colouring a little.
"You think every one prejudiced and stupid who does not agree with you." "With me?
With you, with us, you should say.

Giovanni is a specimen of the furious Conservative, who hates change and has a cold chill at the word 'republic' Do you call that intelligent ?" "Giovanni is intelligent for all that," answered Madame Mayer.