And I thank you for what you say, Ruggiero, and with my heart.
And that is enough, because it seems that we know each other." "We have been in the same crew once or twice," said Ruggiero.
"It seems to me that we have," answered his brother.
Neither of the two smiled, for they meant a good deal by the simple jest.
"Tell me, Ruggiero," said Bastianello after a pause, "since you never loved Teresina, who is it ?" "No, Bastianello.

That is what I cannot tell any one, not even you." "Then I will not ask.

But I think I know, now." Going over the events of the past weeks in his mind, it had suddenly flashed upon Bastianello that his brother loved Beatrice.

Then everything explained itself in an instant.

Ruggiero was such a gentleman--in Bastianello's eyes, of course--it was like him to break his heart for a real lady.
"Perhaps you do know," answered Ruggiero gravely, "but if you do, then do not tell me.