‘But this can’t be what master meant me to fetch!’ expostulated the servant.
‘What have you got to say to it?’ replied the miller. ‘Your master told you to fetch “Nina;” we always call our donkey “Nina;” so take her, and be off.’
The servant saw there was nothing to be gained by disputing, so he took the donkey and went home. When he got back, his master had got company with him, so he did not know what to say about the donkey. But his master seeing he was come back, took it for granted the business was done; and calling him to him privately said, ‘Take “Nina” upstairs into the best bedroom and light a fire, and give her some supper.’
‘Take her[1] upstairs into the best bedroom!’ exclaimed the man.
‘Yes! do what you’re told, and don’t repeat my words.’
The servant could not venture to say any more; so he took the donkey up into the best bedroom, and lit a fire, and put some supper there. As soon as his company was gone, the master called the servant—
‘Is “Nina” upstairs?’ asked he.
‘Si, Signore; she’s lying before the fire,’ answered the servant.
‘Did you take some supper up? I’ll have my supper up there with “Nina.”’
‘Si, Signore,’ replied the servant, and he turned away to laugh, for he thought his master had gone mad.