Aunt Bachissia began to tell about their trip; she spoke of the greatcoat worn by the young lawyer, and of the "wings" in fashion among the Nuorese ladies; then she described the Porrus' kitchen, and told of their meeting a man on the road; but of the discussion started by Aunt Porredda at the supper-table, and of the purchases she and Giovanna had made, she said never a word. She knew, however, very well that Aunt Martina could hardly wait to see the new possessions, and was herself no less anxious to display them. "And what have you to say about it all, Giovanna?" said Brontu, stirring the fire with the end of his stick. "You are very quiet to-night. What is the matter?" "I am tired," she replied, and then suddenly asked about Giacobbe Dejas. "That crazy man? He torments the life out of me; I shall end some day by kicking him out. He does not need to work now for a living, anyhow." "I don't know how it is," said Aunt Bachissia. "He used to be such a cheerful soul, and now, when he has a house and cattle, and they even say he is going to be married, his temper is something----! You knew, didn't you, that he threatened to beat us?" "Did he ever come back?" "No; never since that time." "Nor Isidoro Pane either," said Giovanna in a dull voice. "I thought I saw him go by here yesterday evening," said Aunt Martina. Giovanna raised her head quickly, but she did not speak, and Brontu laughingly remarked that he supposed she did not stand in any particular need of leeches just at present. "Well," said Aunt Martina at length, "didn't you bring me anything from Nuoro? You keep one a long time in suspense!" They had, in fact, brought her an apron, but Aunt Bachissia feigned surprise and mortification. "Of course," said she, "we had forgotten for the moment----" And she gave a shrill laugh, but sobered down instantly on observing that Giovanna took no part in these pleasantries, and seemed unable to shake off her melancholy. "No, no; we never thought about it, but Giovanna will show you a few trifles that we bought----" Giovanna got up, lighted a candle, and went into the adjoining room, Brontu's ardent gaze following her. Aunt Martina sat waiting for her present. Several moments passed and Giovanna did not return. "What is she doing in there?" asked Brontu. "Who knows?" Another minute elapsed. "I am going to see," he said, jumping up and walking towards the door. "No, no; what are you thinking of?" said Aunt Bachissia, but so faint-heartedly that Aunt Martina--scandalised--called to her son to come back with energetic: "Zss--zss----"