Chapter 2

rather improbable story of how, in a fit of absorption, she once burnt her own son in mistake for the _Conte di Luna's, Manrico_ listens, as a matter of filial duty--because, after all, she is his mother--but he is clearly of opinion that these painful family reminiscences are far better forgotten. Perhaps he suspects that her anguish may be due to a severe fit of indigestion--the symptoms of which are almost indistinguishable from those of operatic remorse. At all events, he does not find his parent a cheerful companion, and, as soon as he finds a decent excuse for escape, takes it.