"But wasn't his Highness's father sick? And didn't she have to
go? Else they wouldn't get his money, and all would go to the
younger brother. You don't understand these things, you women."
Giacomo's defense of his lady got into his fingers, and added
much to the brightness of the spoons. The two talked together
now, as fast as human tongues could go.

Assunta. She could have taken the Signorina.

Giacomo. She couldn't. It's fever.

Assunta. She could have left her maid.

Giacomo. Thank the holy father she didn't!

Assunta. And without a word of language to make herself
understood.

Giacomo. She can learn, can't she?

Assunta. And with the cook gone, too! It's a great task for us.

Giacomo. You'd better be about it!... Going walking alone in
the hills! And calling me "Excellency." There's no telling what
Americans will do.

Assunta. She didn't know any better. When she has been here a
week she won't call you Excellency"! I must make macaroni for
dinner.