“Viva! Long life to the French cook, il grande ministre della cucina!”
Gianettino bowed politely in response to the compliment, and then civilly asked the price of the fish.
The fisherman stood there with an expression of regretful sadness upon his face. “I fear it will be of little use to name the price!” said he, “the fish is as good as sold!”
“Nevertheless, name the price!”
“Twenty ducats!”
“Twenty ducats!” exclaimed Gianettino, with an expression of the liveliest astonishment. “You jest, my friend! How can such a splendid animal be possibly sold for twenty ducats?”
“Here! hear!” shouted the crowd. “He finds the price too low!”
“He is a real gentleman!”
“He will not buy gudgeons like the Spaniard!”
“In earnest, friend, tell me the price of this fish!” said Gianettino.