human
What does it signify?
gpt
Really, Signora, I don't know how to apologize sufficiently for thus breaking in upon you, said Ludovico, coming forward to meet her;
human
I hardly know whether I can, said Bianca, half pouting and half laughing, and looking wholly beautiful;
gpt
But that is an offence which, in the nature of things, cannot be committed against the Signora Bianca Lalli, retorted Ludovico, with a low bow, half earnest and half in fun, and a look of admiration that was entirely sincere.
human
But the fact is, he continued,
gpt
He is very good--too kind to me. He was good enough to see me to my carriage at the theatre last night; and he said some word that makes me think he purposes doing me the honour of coming here to give me the advantage of his criticism on last night's performance,
human
Yes, I am sure he would not fail to bring his tribute of admiration this morning, returned Ludovico, carelessly;
gpt
I am so grieved to hear you say so. Of course any change must be far more evident to those who have known him all his life. But I should have said that I had rarely or never seen so remarkably young-looking a man for his years. The Marchese happened to tell me once that he is fifty or not far from it. It seemed to me impossible to believe it,
human
Three months ago he might have well passed for five-and-thirty; but, per Bacco, he looks his years now every day of them--and more, too, il povero zio.
gpt
Nay, Signor Ludovico, I think your regard for your uncle makes you think him worse than he is. I thought he was looking very well at the theatre last night,
human
At the theatre. Ah! perhaps. He was pleased and excited. I did not specially remark him last night. But, the truth is, I am not easy about him.
gpt
I feel very much persuaded, Signor Ludovico, that you are alarming yourself unnecessarily. Your fears are excited by your affection for your uncle. I doubt whether many nephews in your position, Signor Marchese, would feel as much anxiety about the health of an uncle whose heirs they were; not that I mean, of course, Signor, to insinuate that you are dependent on your uncle,
human
Faith, though, I am dependent on him, returned Ludovico, with the most careless frankness.
gpt
I have not a bajocco in the world but what comes to me from him. But lo zio is more generous than uncles often are to their nephews who are to be their heirs. And I am in no hurry to succeed to him, I assure you.
human
I am sure that would not be in your nature in any case, Signor Ludovico, returned Bianca;
gpt
But my future does depend upon his caprice--in one way, at all events. Suppose my uncle should take it into his head to marry, and have a family. There is nothing to prevent him. Many an older man than he by a great deal has done so. And if that were to happen, there is not a beggar in all Ravenna who is a poorer man than I should be. Only that lo zio is about the most unlikely man to marry in all Italy, it is a thing that might happen any day.
human
Why should the Signor Marchese be so unlikely to marry? One would say, to look at him, that it was not such an unlikely thing. Suppose some designing woman were to make the attempt?
gpt
There does not exist the woman who could have the faintest shadow of success in such an enterprise, Signora. If you could tell how often the thing has been tried! He is seasoned, lo zio is. Besides, he never was a man given much to falling in love at any time of his life. I don't think he is much an admirer of the sex, to tell you the truth. No; there is no fear of that.