It was deftly done, and Nino took heart.
"Signora," he said, in a trembling voice, "it is natural that a man should wish to live.

I give lessons now, until I have appeared in public, to support myself." "Ah, I begin to understand," said the baroness.

In reality she began to doubt, reflecting that if this were the whole truth Nino would be too proud--or any other Italian--to say it so plainly.

She was subtle, the baroness! "And do you suppose," he continued, "that if once the Conte de Lira had an idea that I was to be a public singer he would employ me as a teacher for his daughter ?" "No, but others might," she objected.
"But not the count--" Nino bit his lip, fearing he had betrayed himself.
"Nor the contessina," laughed the baroness, completing the sentence.
He saw at a glance what she suspected, and instead of keeping cool grew angry.
"I came here, Signora Baronessa, not to be cross-examined, but to teach you Italian.

Since you do not desire to study, I will say good-morning." He took his hat and moved proudly to the door.
"Come here," she said, not raising her voice, but still commanding.