"Well, that might be worse," said the elder man, indulgently. "May I ask your name?"
"Ralph Power."
"Ralph Power? That is not an Italian name."
"Sir, I know. My mother, she have the marriage name Potenza. Rodolfo, that is mine. I translate the two, and that is Ralph Power, whicha make it easy for the tongue of many."
Mr. Openshaw had drawn his hand over his eyelids, as if feeling the sting of memory.
"What do you do for a living here?"
"I serva the market. Once I assist to builda boats for the Capitan, but now he work no more; the beautiful Anne, she is his daughter. Ah, signor!" Ingenuously, boyishly, he sighed.
"How old are you?"
"Twenty-two."
"How many questions I have asked you! I am afraid I have kept you from your duties. Pray go now."