“That is true. I have decided to go by way of Frosinone, San Germano, and Capua. The route is said to be very interesting. I wish you would look up a vetturino and arrange to hire him by the day. Then we shall be able to pursue an independent course.”
“I will do so, Walter. Have you any instructions as to the price?”
“No: you know from the short excursions we have made what is fair and moderate. You may as well select a vettura that is roomy and large enough to accommodate four persons. We don’t want to be cramped, for that will interfere with our enjoyment.”
“And when do you wish to start?”
“To-morrow morning, say at eleven o’clock.”
“Very well. I will attend to it.”
“It is a great comfort to have you with me, Bernard. You take a great deal of trouble off my hands.”
“I am glad to hear you say that. Think how I would be situated if you had not taken me up.”
“I have been well repaid for doing so.”
Bernard engaged a vettura, a traveling carriage, designed for four persons, and in an hour it made its appearance. The vetturino, as the driver is called, was a lithe, slender, dark-complexioned man who answered to the name of Pasquale. What his last name was Bernard did not inquire, as it was sufficient to have a single name to call him by.