'Why have you never written to your friends ?' 'That is a long story,' Giovanni answered, in the same tone as before.
'If you happen to be on friendly terms with the Ministry, you will be doing the Government a service by not speaking of my return till it is made public.' 'How mysterious!' The Princess was recovering from her surprise.
Ugo looked from one to the other, watching their faces.

It was quite clear that his brother disliked the middle-aged woman of the world now, whatever their relations had been in the past, and from her behaviour when she had recognised him it looked as if the two must have once been very intimate.
'What are we waiting for ?' asked the Captain cheerfully, in order to break off the conversation.
'The supervising nurse,' answered Pieri.

'She will be here directly.' 'A nun, I suppose,' observed Giovanni carelessly.

'Old and hideous too, no doubt.

Poor Ugo!' 'Not so much to be pitied as you think,' said the Princess.