So then I knew that he was a gentleman of some kind, since he had been at the cottage.

I also asked if your masters were never coming to the Roman shore again." "What did he answer ?" inquired Ercole, with an air of utter indifference.
"He said an evil thing.

He said that your young gentleman had gone off to foreign countries with a pretty peasant from Frascati, whose name was Regina; that it was she who had nursed him when he was ill, in some inn, and that out of gratitude, and because she was very pretty, he had given her much money, and silk dresses and earrings.

That is what he said." Ercole gazed down at Nino's bloodshot eye, which was turned to him just then.
"A girl called Regina," Ercole grumbled, in a tone even harsher than usual.
"That is what he said.

Why should he tell me one thing for another?
He said that your young gentleman would perhaps come back when he was tired of Regina.