“So much the worse, as that may turn out to be just what I want you to do. Tell me what it is.”
“I was going to Rome, when the Abbé Galiani told me that Donna Lucrezia was here with you.”
“And can a short delay interfere with your happiness? Are you not your own master?”
“Smile on me once more; your desires are orders which must be obeyed. I have always been my own master, but I cease to be so from this moment, since I am your most humble servant.”
“Very good. Then I command you to come and spend a few days with us at an estate we have at a short distance. My husband will have himself transported here. You will allow me to send to the inn for your luggage?”
“Here, sweet marchioness, is the key to my room. Happy the mortal whom you deign to command.”
Leonilda gave the key to the page, a pretty boy, and told him to see that all my belongings were carefully taken to the castle.
Her lady-in-waiting was very fair. I said so to Leonilda in French, not knowing that the young lady understood the language, but she smiled and told her mistress that we were old acquaintances.
“When had I the pleasure of knowing you, mademoiselle?”
“Nine year ago. You have often spoken to me and teased me.”