“But whom have I the honour of addressing?”
“Don’t you recollect me? I am Momolo, formerly gondolier at Venice.”
“Have you entered holy orders, then?”
“Not at all, but here everyone wears the cassock. I am the first scopatore (sweeper) of His Holiness the Pope.”
“I congratulate you on your appointment, but you mustn’t mind me laughing.”
“Laugh as much as you like. My wife and daughters laugh when I put on the cassock and bands, and I laugh myself, but here the dress gains one respect. Come and see us.”
“Where do you live?”
“Behind the Trinity of Monti; here’s my address.”
“I will come to-night.”
I went home delighted with this meeting, and determined to enjoy the evening with my Venetian boatman. I got my brother to come with me, and I told him how the Pope had received me.