"We have plenty of provision in our packs."
Gabriel not seeming at all reconciled to this, and still urging the claims of hospitality, Walter told him they wished to go farther to see the face of the country, productions, and manner in which the people lived.
"And how can you see in what fashion the people live if you don't go into their homes, and eat and drink with them?"
"We couldn't see the country in the house," replied Walter. "We will sleep on the hill-side to-night, to-morrow travel farther to please ourselves, and, on our return, stop at your house to gratify you."
"By that time," said Gabriel, "we hope to be more at leisure for sociability and a good time."
"I've seen olives before," said Walter, "in Spain, and eaten them; but they were green. These are violet."
"That was because they were unripe. These are ripe. I used to sell the greater part of mine green before the blockade."
"What do you do to them when you sell them in that way?"
"Soak them ten hours in lye, afterwards a week in cold water, then put them in brine, with some sweet herbs. That is all. Some only put them in brine."
"What are you going to do with these?"