But his white face told the truth well enough.
"On what day was it ?" she enquired, as though she meant to be answered.
"It was the day when you talked with me about my name, Signorina." "At what time ?" "It must have been between midday and one o'clock." Beatrice remembered how on that day San Miniato had given a shallow excuse for not remaining to breakfast at that hour.
"And what was his name ?" she now asked for the third time.
"Excellency--Signorina--do not ask me!" Ruggiero was not good at lying.
"It was the Conte di San Miniato, Ruggiero," said Beatrice in a low voice that trembled with anger.

Her face was now almost as white as the sailor's.
Ruggiero said nothing at first, but turned his head away again.
"Per Dio!" he ejaculated after a short pause.

But there was no mistaking the tone.
Beatrice turned away and with bent head began to walk towards the ascent.

She could not help the gesture she made, clenching her hands once fiercely and then opening them wide again; but she thought no one could see her.

Ruggiero saw, and understood.
"She is saying to herself, 'I must marry that infamous animal,'" thought Ruggiero.