Before we parted for the night the marquis told me that we would start in the afternoon, and that he should arrive an hour before us. He assured his wife that he was quite well, and that he hoped to convince her that I had made him ten years younger. Leonilda embraced him tenderly, begging him to be careful of his health.
“Yes, yes,” said he, “but get ready to receive me.”
I wished them a good night, and a little marquis at nine months from date.
“Draw the bill,” said he to me, “and to-morrow I will accept it.”
“I promise you,” said Lucrezia, “to do my best to ensure your meeting your obligations.”
Donna Lucrezia took me to my room, where she handed me over to the charge of an imposing-looking servant, and wished me a good night.
I slept for eight hours in a most comfortable bed, and when I was dressed Lucrezia took me to breakfast with the marchioness, who was at her toilette.
“Do you think I may draw my bill at nine months?” said I.
“It will very probably be met,” said she.
“Really?”