DAPHNE
Carlo (interrupting).
"Give me the ruddy wine."
Together.
G. "Carlotta shall be mine!"
C. "Give me the ruddy wine!"
Assunta was visibly happy when the Signorina signified her willingness to go home. The pride of the house servant was touched by being compelled to come too closely in contact with the workers in the fields, and where is there pride like that of a peasant? But her joy was short-lived. Outside the great iron gates stood a team of beautiful fawn-colored oxen, with spotless flanks, and great, blue, patient eyes looking out from under broad foreheads. They were starting, with huge muscles quivering under their white skin, to carry a load of grapes to the wine press, the yield of this year being too great for the usual transportation on donkey back.
"Assunta, I go too," cried Daphne.
68
