Page:Daphne, an Autumn Pastoral.djvu/15

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

DAPHNE

the silver, and speaking in what seemed to his listener one word of a thousand syllables.

"The—Signorina—goes—to—walk—upon—the—hills—above—the—villa—because—it—is—a—most—beautiful—day.—She—returns—to—dine—at—six—and—wishes—Assunta—to—have—dinner—prepared.—Perhaps—the—Signorina—would—tell—what—she—would—like—for—her—dinner?—A—roast—chicken,—yes?—A—salad,—yes?"

Daphne looked dubiously at him, though he had stated the case with entire accuracy, and had suggested for her solitary meal what she most liked. There was a slight pucker in her white forehead, and she vouchsafed no answer to what she did not understand.

"Addio, addio," she said earnestly.

"A rivederla!" answered Giacomo, with a courtly sweep of the chamois skin.

The girl climbed steadily up the moist, steep

5