"That is true; but tell me more about yourself."
"Do not be impatient. I cannot do otherwise. We will travel over a rocky road, like the mineralogists. Every time that we encounter a curious stone we will strike it with our hammer to find out what it contains. So we will pause to discuss different subjects. But do you not remember that it will soon be time to go to Aqua Sola?"
"Ah, yes! It is true that we shall meet my beautiful benefactress, who, like the Samaritan, gave me aid in my distress."
"This Italienne who bathed your temples with water, and at the same time, perhaps, lighted a fire in your heart. But between yesterday and to-day there is an abyss. Who knows how many will keep the rendezvous at Aqua Sola?"
"Do you think many will fail to put in an appearance?"
"Experience has taught me to count very little on engagements twenty-four hours old, and not at all on those dating back several weeks."
"The evening is still far off," said the Pole.
"Very far. The sun is yet high in the heavens."
"Then pray continue your autobiography."