"Signore, you may tear up fifty bills, but you must pay," said the landlord, politely.
"If you come to travel you should bring money enough to take you along," said Dolores.
"Then I would not have to take lodgings fit only for a Sorrento beggar," said Buttons, somewhat rudely.
"They are too good for an American beggar," rejoined Dolores, taking a step nearer to him, and slapping her little hands together by way of emphasis.
"Is this the maid," thought Buttons, "that hung so tenderly on my arm at the masquerade? the sweet girl who has charmed so many evenings with her innocent mirth. Is this the fair young creature who--"
"Are you going to pay, or do you think you can keep us waiting forever?" cried the fair young creature, impatiently and sharply.
"No more than six piastres," replied Buttons.
"Be reasonable, Signore. Be reasonable," said the landlord, with a conciliatory smile; "and above all, be calm--be calm. Let us have no contention. I feel that these honorable American gentlemen have no wish but to act justly," and he looked benignantly at his family.
"I wish I could feel the same about these Italians," said Buttons.
"You will soon feel that these Italians are determined to have their due," said Dolores.