"I did not think it necessary to put that in, because you must know that you are Venice to me." "That is much better," Maria said approvingly.

"I think you have improved since you have been away.

Do you not think so, Giulia ?" "I don't think that sort of nonsense is an improvement," Giulia said gravely.

"Any of the young Venetian gallants can say that sort of thing.

We do not want flattery from Francisco." "You should say you do not want it, Giulia," Maria said, laughing.