"I refer to the happiness of the Signorina di Lira.

In spite of your refusal of my offer, you will understand that the welfare of that lady must always be to me of the greatest importance." Lira bowed his head stiffly, and seemed inclined to speak, but changed his mind, and held his tongue, to see what Nino would say.
"You will comprehend, I am sure," continued the latter, "that in the course of those months, during which I was so far honoured as to be of service to the contessina, I had opportunities of observing her remarkably gifted intelligence.

I am now credibly informed that she is suffering from ill health.

I have not seen her, nor made any attempt to see her, as you might have supposed, but I have an acquaintance in Fillettino who has seen her pass his door daily.

Allow me to remark that a mind of such rare qualities must grow sick if driven to feed upon itself in solitude.