‘That is impertinent.’

‘Are you?’

‘You forget yourself, Tony. It is not your place to ask such a question.’

Si, signorina; it is my place. If it is true I cannot be your donkey-man any longer.’

‘No, it is not true, but that is no concern of yours.’

‘Are you going on another trip Friday—to Monte Maggiore?’

‘Yes.’

‘May I come with you?’

His tone implied more than his words. She hesitated a moment, then shrugged indifferently.

‘Just as you please, Tony. If you don’t wish to work for us any more I dare say we can find another man.’