Paolo, she thought, would naturally not care to speak lightly of such an occurrence, and his somewhat constrained manner at the present moment might be attributed to this cause.

To prevent any further questions from her mother or Gianbattista, Lucia interposed.
"Yes," she said, "he seemed very quiet.

He hardly spoke at dinner.

But Tista says he may perhaps be here before long, and then we shall know." It was not very clear what was to be known, and Lucia hastened to direct their attention to the new grating.

Gianbattista returned to work with the men, and the two women and Don Paolo stood looking on, occasionally shifting their position to get a better view of the work.