III + 

In the course of a week came the beautiful Padrona to pay her respects to Teresa. Teresa surveyed her with critical eyes, not at all allured by her beauty. + 

“She is Venetian, she is false, she is stupid,” said Teresa; “and moreover she has a wanton eye on Gian-Luca.” + 

“Ma Dio!” gasped Fabio; “he is yet but a child.” + 

“He will not remain always a child,” she reminded. + 

“But what of the husband? I am certain he is firm, I am sure he is a lion among men.” + 

“When the lion lies down with the lamb,” smiled Teresa, “I have heard that he loses his strength.” + 

Fabio groaned loudly. “Madonna!” he complained; “and we have but now completed that large order.” + 

“That is why,” said Teresa. “Her eye is on Gian-Luca, so she sends her lion here to spend money.” + 

“What must be done?” inquired Fabio weakly, beginning to fidget with the things about the room. + 

“Nothing,” said Teresa. “If we take him away, we do but make him think the more.” + 

“But supposing⁠—” + 

“We will not suppose,” she said firmly. “He is handsome and young, but he is also ambitious; he will not stay long at the Capo di Monte. Meanwhile he will probably meet some young girls, one of whom he can marry later on⁠—there is Berta, for instance; it is true she is plain, still, she will probably improve.” + 

“Alas!” exclaimed Fabio, wringing his hands. “What a terrible danger is youth! When I think of our Olga⁠—” + 

But Teresa’s face stopped him. + 

“I wish you would weigh up those hams,” she said quickly; “I feel sure they are under weight again.” + 