"But I have a better memory than you. During the first five days I replied by reasoning gently with him: I told him he must try to conquer his passion, and love me no more. The next five days I listened in silence, and that was a very compromising kind of an answer; but you bade me do it, so I did it. Since then I have been driven to talk of my duty to you, and yesterday, master, I reached a point where I besought him to be generous, while he pressed me to confess my love for him."
"If that is so, it puts a different face on the matter," said Benvenuto.
"Ah, at last!" said Scozzone.
"Yes, now listen, little one. During the first three days of my absence, you will let him think that you love him; during the next three, you will confess your love."
"What, you bid me do that, Benvenuto!" cried Scozzone, deeply wounded at the master's too great confidence in her.
"Never you fear. What have you to reproach yourself for when I authorize you to do it?"
"Mon Dieu! nothing, I know," said Scozzone; "but being placed as I am between your indifference and his love, I may end by falling in love with him outright."
"Nonsense! in six days? Aren't you strong enough to remain indifferent to him six days?"
"Yes, indeed! I give you six days; but don't remain away seven, I beg you."
"No fear, my child, I will return in time. Adieu, Scozzone."