'I just want to help you.'

'I don't need anyone's help!'

Instantly he got to his feet and stepped back.

'I'm sorry,' she said, 'I didn't mean to be rude, it's just-'

'You don't have to explain. I know how it is.'

She looked up at him, and in the dim light he had an impression of a pale face, surrounded by long fair hair, like one of the other-worldly creatures that populated the pictures that had once filled this palace. He had grown up with the ghostly faces, accepting them as a normal part of his world. It startled him to meet one in reality.

'It's like that for you too?' she asked.

After a moment's pause he said, 'For everyone in one way or another. Some less-some more.'

He said the last words hoping she would tell him about herself, but he could see her defences being hastily reassembled. The moment was already slipping away, and when he heard the sound of Piero approaching he knew it had gone.

CHAPTER TWO

Piero pushed open the door, his face brightening when he saw the visitor.

'Ciao,' Vincenzo said, clapping him on the shoulder.

'Ciao,' Piero said, looking around. 'Ah, you two have met.'

'Yes, I'm afraid I gave the signorina a fright.'

'Why so formal? This isn't a signorina. It's Julia.'

'Or are you perhaps a signora?' Vincenzo queried.'You understand, a signora is-?'

'Yes, thank you, I speak Italian,' she said edgily. 'A signora is a married woman. I'm asignorina.'

She wasn't sure why she insisted on parading her knowledge of Italian at that moment, unless it was pride. Vincenzo's understanding had made her defensive.

'So you speak my language,' Vincenzo said. 'I congratulate you. So often the English won't trouble to learn other languages. Do you speak it well?'