“Certainly, Signora; it is always ready—beds made, floors swept.”
Taking an oil-lamp from his room on the ground-floor, he led the way upstairs, jingling his keys as he went.
“And the Signore, will he be here soon?”
“No, the Signore is not coming. I can manage without him.”
“I wanted to show him how fit Fox and Diana are. They are getting so fat, from having nothing to do.”
“I will tell him to-morrow.”
“Shall you stay here to-night, Signorina?”
“Just for one night. I must find some important documents, and I had no one I could send.”
“But about dinner, Signorina? If you don’t mind it, Carmela can toss you up an omelette and a handful of vermicelli with tomato sauce. Of course, it’s no food for you, but for once....”
“I have dined at Naples; I don’t want anything.”