"Aurora and Marcello are not at all suited to one another." "That is true," answered the Contessa.
"And besides, he is much too young for her.

They are nearly of the same age." "I never thought of their marrying," replied Maddalena, with a little emphasis, "and I should certainly not choose this time to think of it!" "I fancy few men can look at your daughter without wishing that they might marry her, my dear lady," said Corbario, rising to go away.

"Pray present my homage to her, and tell her how very sorry I am not to have seen her." He smiled as if he were only half in earnest, and he took his leave.

He was scarcely gone when Aurora entered the sitting-room by another door.
"Was it Marcello ?" she asked quietly enough, though her voice sounded a little dull.
"No, dear," answered her mother.

"It was Folco Corbario.