Carlo was on his own that evening, as Gia had more tutoring to do and Zia Filomena stayed at home to help Cristiano with some chores.
He was drawn to the piazza where most of the people spent their evenings, and spied Martin Bernhard sitting alone at a café table. Carlo decided that the man deserved a chance, so he approached his table.
Martin had been badly hurt by the women"s treatment the previous day, and he recognized Carlo as their acquaintance, so he was reluctant to engage him in additional conversation.
“May I sit down?”
With a long sigh, Martin nodded yes.
“You said you are an art collector. That"s very interesting; could you tell me more about your work?”
Martin brightened a little at Carlo"s approach, and he launched into an excited narrative about his education, his work
