human
So she takes care of the linen, he said.
gpt
That cannot be very amusing, I should think.
human
They are nuns, answered the girl.
gpt
Do you suppose they go about seeking to amuse themselves? It is an ugly life. But Sister Maria Addolorata sings to herself, and that makes the abbess angry, because it is against the rules to sing except in church. I would not live in that convent--not if they would fill my apron with gold pieces.
human
But why did this beautiful girl become a nun, then? Was she unhappy, or crossed in love?
gpt
She? They did not give her time! Before she could shut an eye and say, 'Little youth, you please me, and I wish you well,' they put her in. And that door, when it is shut, who shall open it? The Madonna, perhaps? But she was of the Princes of Gerano, and there must be one of them for an abbess, and the lot fell upon her. There is the whole history. You may hear her singing sometimes, if you stand under the garden wall, on the narrow path after the Benediction hour and before Ave Maria. But I am a fool to tell you, for you will go and listen, and when you have heard her voice you will be like a madman. You will fall in love with her. I was a fool to tell you.
human
Well? And if I do fall in love with her, who cares?
gpt
If you do? The young girl's eyes shot a quick, sharp glance at him. Then her face suddenly grew grave as she saw that some one was at the street door, looking in cautiously.
human
Come in, Sor Tommaso! she called, down the table.
gpt
Papa is out, but we are here. Come in and drink a glass of wine!