III.“This morning I feel so well, that I shall go for a ride.”
“It would be imprudent, Alberto,” said his wife, from her sofa.
“No, no; it will do me good. I shall ride Tetillo, a quiet horse that Andrea is having saddled for me. A two hours’ ride on the Naples road....”
“It is too sunny, dear Alberto.”
“The sun will warm my blood. I am recovering my health, Lucia mia. I am getting quite fat. What are your plans?”
“I don’t care for anything. Perhaps I shan’t go out. I am bored.”
“Bad day,” murmured Alberto, as, clanking the silver spurs on his polished boots, he took his departure.
Later on Caterina knocked at her door.
“What are you going to do? Are you going to the Exhibition?”
“No; it bores me.”
“You will be more bored, all alone here. Alberto won’t come home till late; Andrea
