He kissed her hand on
introduction, and as his profession had taught him a little
English, conversation did not flag.
"Do you like music?" she asked.
"Passionately," he replied. "I have not studied
scientific music, but the music of the heart, yes."
So she played on the humming piano very badly, and he
sang, not so badly. Gino got out a guitar and sang too,
sitting out on the loggia. It was a most agreeable visit.
Gino said he would just walk his friend back to his
lodgings. As they went he said, without the least trace of
malice or satire in his voice, "I think you are quite
right. I shall not bring people to the house any more. I
do not see why an English wife should be treated
differently. This is Italy."
"You are very wise," exclaimed the other; "very wise
indeed. The more precious a possession the more carefully
it should be guarded."
They had reached the lodging, but went on as far as the
Caffe Garibaldi, where they spent a long and most delightful
evening.
Chapter 4
The advance of regret can be so gradual that it is
impossible to say "yesterday I was happy, today I am not."
At no one moment did Lilia realize that her marriage was a
failure; yet during the summer and autumn she became as
unhappy as it was possible for her nature to be. She had no
unkind treatment, and few unkind words, from her husband.
He simply left her alone. In the morning he went out to do
"business," which, as far as she could discover, meant
sitting in the Farmacia.
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