"
"It sometimes happens that such things are recollected
longest. I shall never see him again, of course; but it is
no benefit to me that he should wish me ill. And even if he
has forgotten, I am still sorry that I toppled him on to the
bed."
So their talk continued, at one moment full of
childishness and tender wisdom, the next moment scandalously
gross. The shadows of the terra-cotta pillars lengthened,
and tourists, flying through the Palazzo Pubblico opposite,
could observe how the Italians wasted time.
The sight of tourists reminded Gino of something he
might say. "I want to consult you since you are so kind as
to take an interest in my affairs. My wife wishes to take
solitary walks."
Spiridione was shocked.
"But I have forbidden her."
"Naturally."
"She does not yet understand. She asked me to accompany
her sometimes--to walk without object! You know, she would
like me to be with her all day."
"I see. I see." He knitted his brows and tried to
think how he could help his friend. "She needs employment.
Is she a Catholic?"
"No."
"That is a pity. She must be persuaded. It will be a
great solace to her when she is alone."
"I am a Catholic, but of course I never go to church."
"Of course not. Still, you might take her at first.
That is what my brother has done with his wife at Bologna
and he has joined the Free Thinkers. He took her once or
twice himself, and now she has acquired the habit and
continues to go without him.
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