human
That is the young lady whom you thought I might wish to marry, he said.
gpt
You know me little after so many years, Donna Francesca. You have bestowed much kindness upon a man whom you do not know.
human
My dear Reanda, who can understand you? But as for kindness, do not let me hear the word between you and me. It has no meaning. We are always good friends, as we were when I was a little girl and used to play with your paints. You have given me far more than I can ever repay you for, in your works. I do not flatter you, my friend. Cupid and Psyche, there in your frescoes, will outlive me and be famous when I am forgotten--yet they are mine, are they not? And you gave them to me.
gpt
Ah, Donna Francesca, he said gently,
human
Your dear friendship, he added, bending his head a little. Then he laughed suddenly.
gpt
Do not give me a wife,
human
And you, Reanda--do not make wicked caricatures of women you have only seen once! Besides, I go back to it again. I saw you start when she passed you at the door. You were surprised at her beauty. You must admit that. And then, because you are irritated with her, you take a brush and daub that monstrous thing upon the wall! It is a shame!
gpt
I started, yes. It was not because she struck me as beautiful. It was something much more strange. Do you know? She is the very portrait of Donna Maria, who was in the Carmelite convent at Subiaco, and who was burned to death. I have often told you that I remembered having seen her when I was a boy, both at Gerano and at the Palazzo Braccio, before she took the veil. There is a little difference in the colouring, I think, and much in the expression. But the rest--it is the image!
human
It makes your caricature all the worse, she answered,
gpt
Oh, but I remember well!
human
Well, it concludes nothing, after all, returned Francesca, with much logic.
gpt
It does not make a fiend of the poor nun, who is an angel by this time, and it does not make Miss Dalrymple less beautiful. And now, Signor Painter, she added, with another girlish laugh,
human
You, princess!
gpt
It is not a reception. We are to meet there about arranging another of those charity concerts for the deaf and dumb.
human
I might have known, answered the painter.
gpt
As for me, I shall go to the theatre to-night. There is the Trovatore.
human
That is a new thing for you, too. But I am glad. Amuse yourself, and tell me about the singing to-morrow. Remember to lock the door and take the key. I do not trust the masons in the morning.
gpt
Do I ever forget? asked Reanda.
human
But I will lock it now, as you go out; for it is late, and I shall go upstairs.
gpt
Good night,
human
And you forgive the caricature?
gpt
I would forgive you many things,