human
How came you to know the Marchese Lamberto?
gpt
Only because the Englishman, who employed me to copy these mosaics, gave me a letter to him. He seems to be very highly esteemed.
human
More so than any other man in all Ravenna,--except my uncle the Cardinal, I suppose I ought to say; he is a most excellent man in all ways. But you know his nephew also, the Marchese Ludovico? non e vero?
gpt
Yes, replied Paolina, flushing crimson, and similarly looking down, but stealing a side-glance under her eyelashes at her companion,--
human
And you found him kind, too; as kind as his uncle?
gpt
Yes, indeed, Signorina,
human
Paolina--you see I know your name, and I think it such a pretty one--Paolina, said the Contessa Violante, yielding to a sudden impulse, and taking the hand of the blushing girl, who kept her eyes fixed on the ground,
gpt
Oh, Signorina! so should I, so much. There is nothing I should like so much--almost nothing,
human
Tell me, then, if you ever heard my name mentioned in connection with that of the Marchese Ludovico?
gpt
Yes, Signorina, I have so heard, said Paolina, raising her head with a proud movement, and looking, with well-opened eyes and clear brow, into Violante's face as she spoke.
human
I have heard that it was intended by both your families that you and the Marchese Ludovico should be married.
gpt
Yes; everybody in Ravenna, I believe, expects to see such a marriage before long; do you? We are to be friends, you know, and speak frankly to each other; do you expect it, Paolina?