That species of natural originality pleased me greatly, and as we were going up the steps at the landing-place, I offered her my full apologies; she accepted the carriage. I ordered breakfast, and told a ‘vetturino’ to get a very handsome chaise ready while we had our meal, but the curate said that he must first of all go and say his mass.
“Very well, reverend sir, we will hear it, and you must say it for my intention.”
I put a silver ducat in his hand.
“It is what I am in the habit of giving,” I observed.
My generosity surprised him so much that he wanted to kiss my hand. We proceeded towards the church, and I offered my arm to the niece who, not knowing whether she ought to accept it or not, said to me,
“Do you suppose that I cannot walk alone?”
“I have no such idea, but if I do not give you my arm, people will think me wanting in politeness.”
“Well, I will take it. But now that I have your arm, what will people think?”
“Perhaps that we love each other and that we make a very nice couple.”
“And if anyone should inform your mistress that we are in love with each other, or even that you have given your arm to a young girl?”