VII.
The famous money-lender one evening arrived as usual at the Casino, but this time only to bid his friends good-bye.
"Not leaving Monte?" they asked.
"Yes, I am," he replied; "I'm going to Rome."
"Rome?"
"Yes, why not? I'm told it's wonderful. I shall be there a month;" and so saying he hurried to his hotel.
Three days later he walked into the Casino again.
"What," cried his friends—"you here? We thought you were going to be in Rome a month."
"So I am," said the money-lender, "and more. I came back for my things, most of which I left here, as it had occurred to me I might not like it. But I adore it. Rome is beautiful, august, sublime. The simple severe beauty of the Vatican, the vast solemnity of the Campagna! It is indeed the eternal city. Let me keep Rome!"
And again he hurried away.
Excited individual (who has picked up umbrella left in bar, to despatch rider just leaving). "Hi! Mister. Is this your umbrella?"