“And if I were wise I shouldn’t ask you to come.”
“That is fairly answered! Of course I will come; but before we part may I ask one kiss?”
“Say two.”
Her brother and the marquis left the room, and two sedan-chairs I had summoned took off the cousins.
As soon as the marquis was alone with me he asked me very politely to let him share in the expenses.
“I guessed you were going to humiliate me.”
“Such was not my intention, and I do not insist; but then you know I shall be humiliated.”
“Not at all; I reckon on your good sense. It really costs me nothing. Besides, I give you my word to let you pay for all the parties of pleasure we enjoy together during the carnival. We will sup here when you like; you shall invite the company, and I will leave you to pay the bill.”
“That arrangement will suit me admirably. We must be friends. I leave you with this charming attendant. I did not think that such a beauty could exist in Milan unknown to all but you.”
“She is a townswoman, who knows how to keep a secret. Do you not?”