"After all, handkerchiefs are the cheapest things, and if we spread them out, all six, on the green sofa, they will make a certain effect--these men! One must deceive them, my child." "Suppose we did another thing," began Lucia, looking out of the window.
"We might get some things--in earnest, good things.

They will always do for the wedding with Tista.

Meanwhile, papa will of course have to change his mind, and then it will be all right." "What genius!" cried the Signora Pandolfi.

"Oh, Lucia! You have found it! And then we can just step into the workshop on our way--that will reassure your father." "Perhaps, after all, it would be better to go and tell him the truth," said Lucia, beginning to walk slowly up and down the room.

"He must know it, sooner or later." "Are you mad, Lucia ?" exclaimed her mother, holding up her hands in horror.