You may listen if you choose." She spoke authoritatively.
"I will not," answered Nino, in a determined whisper.
"You will not ?" Her eyes flashed again.

He shook his head.
"Count von Lira," she said aloud, turning to him, "do you know this young man ?" She spoke in Italian, and Von Lira answered in the same language; but as what he said was not exactly humorous, I will spare you the strange construction of his sentences.
"Perfectly," he answered.

"It is precisely concerning this young man that I desire to speak with you." The count remained standing because the baroness had not told him to be seated.
"That is fortunate," replied the baroness, "for I wish to inform you that he is a villain, a wretch, a miserable fellow!" Her anger was rising again, but she struggled to control it.

When Nino realised what she said he came forward and stood near the count, facing the baroness, his arms folded on his breast, as though to challenge accusation.

The count raised his eyebrows.
"I am aware that he concealed his real profession so long as he gave my daughter lessons.