I sat like a rock, not knowing whether Nino would like me to turn round and look.
"Signor Grandi!" she cried at last in laughing tones.
"Yes, signorina!" I replied, respectfully, without moving.

She hesitated.
"What are you doing in that strange position ?" she asked.
"I am mounting guard," I answered.

"I promised Nino that I would sit here till he came back." She fairly laughed now, and it was the most airy, silvery laugh in the world.
"But why do you not look at me ?" "I am not sure that Nino would let me," said I."I promised not to move, and I will keep my promise." "Will you let me out ?" she asked, struggling with her merriment.
"By no means," I answered; "anymore than I would let anybody in." "Then we must make the best of it," said she.

"But I will bring a chair and sit down, while you tell me the news." "Will you assume all responsibility toward Nino, signorina, if I turn so that I can see you ?" I asked, as she sat down.
"I will say that I positively ordered you to do so," she answered, gaily.

"Now look, and tell me where Signor Cardegna is gone." I looked indeed, and it was long before I looked away.