“Think not so poorly of me. You are my benefactress once more. Is it for me to slander you?”
“Go! I will send you the means. I know myself; if you cross my path again, I shall kill you. Addio; my heart is broken.”
She touched her bell. “Floretta,” said she, in a choked voice, “take him safe out of the house, through my chamber, and by the side postern.”
He turned at the door; she was leaning with one hand on a chair, crying, with averted head. Then he thought only of her kindness, and ran back and kissed her robe. She never moved.
Once clear of the house he darted home, thanking Heaven for his escape, soul and body.
“Landlady,” said he, “there is one would pick a quarrel with me. What is to be done?”
“Strike him first, and at vantage! Get behind him; and then draw.”
“Alas, I lack your Italian courage. To be serious, 'tis a noble.”
“Oh, holy saints, that is another matter. Change thy lodging awhile, and keep snug; and alter the fashion of thy habits.”
She then took him to her own niece, who let lodgings at some little distance, and installed him there.