Rafael’s supporters—­the chief officials in the city government—­who were loitering about the square, could not conceal their satisfaction.  Even the humblest of the constables felt a certain pride.  That beautiful fairy was talking with “the Chief,” smiling at him, even.  What an honor for “the Party!” But after all, why not?  Everything considered, don Rafael Brull deserved all that, and more!  And those men, who were very careful to keep silent when their wives spoke indignantly of the “stranger,” admired her with the instinctive fervor that beauty inspires, and envied the deputy his good fortune.  The old orchard-women wrapped the couple in caressing glances of approval.  There was a handsome pair!  What a fine match!

The town ladies in passing by would draw up full height and pretend not to see them.  On meeting acquaintances they would make wry faces and say ironically:  “Did you see?... here she is, in full sight of everybody, casting her fly for dona Bernarda’s son!” What a disgrace!  It was getting so a decent woman hardly dared go out of doors!

Leonora, quite unconscious of the interest she was arousing, chattered on about her shopping.  Beppa, you see, had decided to stay at home with her aunt that morning; so she had come with her gardener’s wife and another woman—­there they were over there with the large baskets.  She had no end of things to get—­and she laughed as she read off the list.  A regular housewife she had become, yes, sir!  She knew the price of everything and could tell down to a centime just what it was costing her to live.  It was like those hard times back in Milan, when she had gone with her music roll under her arm to get macaroni, butter or coffee at the grocer’s.  And what fun it all was!...  However, Leonora observed that, without a doubt, her audience was interpreting her cordial offhand way with Rafael in the worst light possible.  She gave him her hand and took leave.  It was growing late!  If she stood there much longer the best of the market would be carried off by others—­if she found anything at all left!  “Down to business, then!  Good-bye!”

And the young man saw her make her way, followed by the two country women, through the crowds, pausing at the booths, welcomed by the vendors with their best smiles, as a customer who never haggled; interrupting her purchases to fondle the filthy, whining children the poor women were carrying in their arms, and taking the best fruits out of her basket to give to the little ones.

And everywhere general admiration! “Asi, sinorita!—­Here, my dear young lady!” “Vinga, dona Leonor!—­This way, dona Leonora!” the huckstresses cried, calling her by name to show greater intimacy.  And she would smile, with a familiar intimate word for everybody, her hand frequently visiting the purse of Russian leather that hung from her wrist.  Cripples, blind beggars, men with missing arms or legs, all had learned of the generosity of that woman who scattered small change by the fistful.