human
Are you expecting people to-night, Anna?
gpt
A few. Perhaps no one will come.
human
Ah, that's why you've got yourself up so smartly.
gpt
Did you fancy it was for you, that she had put on her new frock, Cesare?
human
I was presumptuous enough to do so; and all presumptions are delusions. I'll bet that Luigi Caracciolo is coming--the ever faithful one.
gpt
I'm sure I don't know,
human
Oh, you hypocrite, Anna!
gpt
Hypocrite, hypocrite! repeated Cesare, also laughing.
human
Come, I'll warrant that the obstinate fidelity of Caracciolo has at last made an impression. Admirable! He's been in love with you for a hundred years.
gpt
Oh, Cesare, don't joke about such subjects,
human
You see, Laura, she is troubled.
gpt
She's troubled, it's true,
human
You're both of you heartless,
gpt
I don't smoke,
human
Why don't you learn to?
gpt
Smoke is bad for the teeth;
human
You're right, fair Minerva. Will you smoke, Anna?
gpt
I don't smoke, either,
human
You ought to learn. It would be becoming to you. You're dark, you have the Spanish type, and a _papelito_[D] would complete your charm.
gpt
I will learn, Cesare,
human
And what's more, smoke calms the nerves. You can't imagine the soothing effect it has. Nothing is better to relieve our little sorrows.
gpt
Give me a cigarette, then,
human
Ah, you have little sorrows?
gpt
Who knows!
human
You have no little sorrows, Laura?
gpt
Neither little ones nor big ones.
human
Who can boast of having never wept?
gpt
If we become sentimental, I shall take myself off,
human
No, no, don't go away,
gpt
I would remind you that we've got to pass our whole life-time together,
human
All our life-time, and more beyond it,
gpt
And more beyond! It's a grave affair. I will think of it while I am dressing, this evening.
human
Where are you going?
gpt
To take a walk,
human
Why don't you stay here?
gpt
I can't. I'm obliged to go out.
human
Come home early, won't you?
gpt
Early--yes,
human
I'll wait for you, Cesare.
gpt
Yes, yes. Good-night.