I will go with you to find crabs to-night.

Is that categorical?
Must you consult my mother to know what I mean ?" "It will not be necessary this time," replied the Count, quite unmoved.
"I think we understand each other." "I think so," said Beatrice with a hard smile.
The Marchesa was not much pleased by the tone the conversation was taking.

But if Beatrice said disagreeable things, she said them in a pleasant voice and with a moderately civil expression of face, which constituted a concession, after all, considering how she had behaved ever since the night at Tragara, scarcely vouchsafing San Miniato a glance, answering him by monosyllables and hardly ever addressing him at all.
"My dear children," said the elder lady, affecting a tone she had not assumed before, "I really hope that you mean to understand each other, and will." "Oh yes, mamma!" assented Beatrice with alacrity.

"With you to help us I am sure we shall come to a very remarkable understanding--very remarkable indeed!" "With originality on your side, and constancy on mine, we may accomplish much," said San Miniato, very blandly.
Beatrice laughed again.
"Translate originality as original sin and constancy as the art of acting constantly!" she retorted.
"Why ?" enquired San Miniato without losing his temper.

He thought the question would be hard to answer.
"Why not ?" asked Beatrice.