In this way she could not fail to see any quick change in the other's features.
'It is about Captain Severi,' she said very distinctly, 'Ugo, as we call him--the brother of that poor Giovanni who was murdered by savages in Africa.' She saw what she had hoped to see and felt that she had already got the upper hand, for the nun's face turned the colour of smouldering wood ashes when they are a greyish white, though the faint, hot glow still rises in them with every passing breath of air and then fades fitfully away.
'Captain Severi's room is ready,' said Sister Giovanna steadily.
'Yes, of course!' The Princess nodded as she spoke.

'It is not that, Sister.

He is a great friend of mine and I was quite devoted to his unfortunate brother, so I have come to beg that he may have the very best care while he is here.' 'You need not have any anxiety.' Sister Giovanna sat bolt upright in her straight chair, with her hands folded on her knees.

The Princess rested one elbow on the table, in an easy attitude, and glanced at her once or twice during the silence that followed.

Each was wondering whether the other was going to admit that she recognised her, and each was weighing the relative advantages of remaining on the present footing, which was one of uncertainty for Sister Giovanna and of armed quiescence on the Princess's part.
'Thank you,' said the latter, after a long time, with a bright smile, as if she had quite understood the nun's answer.