She had seen visions of him as she had always wished he might be, and the visions had seemed likely to be realised.

She had doubted whether she should tell any one the story of what she regarded as Marzio's conversion, but she had made an exception in favour of Gianbattista.

Gianbattista simply laughed, and explained the matter away in half a dozen words.

Lucia was more deeply disappointed than any one, listening to her light talk, could have believed possible.

Her face expressed the pain she felt, and she protested against the apprentice's explanation.
"It is too bad of you, Tista," she said in hurt tones.