“Carmela wished to form a quadrille, but there was one lady wanting. Carmela looked all around her, but not one of the guests had a costume similar to her own, or those of her companions. The Count of San-Felice pointed out Teresa, who was hanging on Luigi’s arm in a group of peasants.

“ ‘Will you allow me, father?’ said Carmela.

“ ‘Certainly,’ replied the count, ‘are we not in Carnival time?’