“Send her to me,” said Lucrezia. “She has her supper to eat,” said Primavera. “I’ll send her to you when she’s fed.” “You won’t correct me, “ said Lucrezia. “You won’t dare.” “I beg your forgiveness with all my heart, and trust in your legendary mercy,” said Primavera dryly. She took herself off to the kitchen, histrionically wheezing on the stairs.

