After an exchange of careful courtesies I addressed myself to the dwarf. "Signor Aristarcho," I said, "this charitable young man has assured me of your active sympathy with my anxieties. You see before you a victim of fortune's extremest spite, who can sue for your favours with nothing but his tears——"
"Don't shed them," says he at the side of his mouth, "they are precious."
"—and offer you nothing in return but his thanks. But I am speaking to a gentleman——"
"You are not," he said gruffly. "You are speaking to a man."
"—of honour," I pursued, "and sensibility. In a word, I am speaking to a Christian. If then you, a Christian, can save the soul of my young and newly wedded wife—ah, Jesu! my darling from the lions——"
He put up his hand. "No more," he said; "I will do what I can."
I said, "Sir, my boundless gratitude——"
"No more," he stayed me; "I am paid already."
"Alas, sir——" I felt that I must go on; but he would not have it.
"You have called me a Christian," he said. "No one has ever called me that before. I thank you. I would die for you."