“Why incredible?”
“Would any man suppose that a stranger would come to Naples at a time when the inhabitants are wishing themselves away?”
“Indeed, I have felt afraid till this moment, but now I feel quite at my ease, since, you being here, St. Januarius will surely protect Naples.”
“Why?”
“Because I am sure he loves you; but you are laughing at me.”
“It is such a funny idea. I am afraid that if I had a lover like St. Januarius I should not grant him many favours.”
“Is he very ugly, then?”
“If his portrait is a good likeness, you can see for yourself by examining his statue.”
Gaiety leads to freedom, and freedom to friendship. Mental graces are superior to bodily charms.
Leonilda’s frankness inspired my confidence, and I led the conversation to love, on which she talked like a past mistress.