We have often talked--a little--at different
places."
"I remember very well," said Gianluca, with a good deal of emphasis and
looking earnestly at her.
Veronica tried to recall the conversation on the occasion to which he
referred, but could not remember a word of it.
"Did I say anything especial, that time?" she asked, wondering whether
she had then unfortunately answered 'yes,' in a fit of absence of mind,
to some question of hidden import which he had perhaps addressed to
her.
"Oh yes!" he answered promptly. "You told me that you liked white roses
better than red ones. You see, I have a good memory."
"That was a tremendously important statement." Veronica laughed,
somewhat relieved by the information.
"I always remember everything you say," said Gianluca. "I think I know
by heart all you have ever said to me."
He spoke with a sort of grave and almost child-like conviction.
"I shall remember everything you say to-day," he added, after a moment's
pause.
"I hope not!" exclaimed Veronica. "I sometimes say very foolish things,
not at all worth remembering, I assure you."
"But what you say is worth everything to me," he said, with another
sudden blush, and a quick glance, while his hands twitched.
He was painfully shy and embarrassed, and was producing anything but a
favourable impression upon Veronica. She was sorry for him, indeed, in a
superior sort of fashion, but she thought of Taquisara's bold eyes and
strong face, and of Bosio Macomer's quiet and refined assurance of
manner, and Gianluca seemed to her slightly ridiculous.
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