Probablyourcoachmanthoughtthat，havingarunawaycoupletodrive，heoughttomakesomepretence，atleast，offearingpursuit;forhesetoffatsuchafuriouspacethatourfourhalf-starvedhorsesweresoonbeat，andwehadtoperformtheremainderofthelong，hot，dustyjourneyatafoot’space。Ihaveforgottenhowwemadethetimepass。
Ithinkwesleptagooddeal。IknowwewerebothverytiredandatriflecrosswhenintheeveningwereachedLongarone，asmall，poverty-strickenvillage，onthevergeofthatdolomiteregionwhich，intheselatterdays，hasbecomesofrequentedbysummertourists。
Touristsusuallyleaveintheirwakesomeoftheadvantagesaswellasthedrawbacksofcivilisation;andprobablythereisnowarespectablehotelatLongarone。Isuppose，therefore，thatImaysay，withoutriskoflayingmyselfopentoanactionforslander，thatamorefilthydenthanthe/osteria/beforewhichmychargeandIalightednoimagination，howeverdisordered，couldconceive。Itwasavast，dismalbuilding，whichhaddoubtlessbeenthepalaceofsomerichcitizenoftherepublicindaysofyore，butwhichhadnowfallenintodishonouredoldage。Itswindowsandoutsideshuttersweretightlyclosed，andhadbeenso，apparently，fromtimeimmemorial;avilesmellofrancidoilandgarlicpervadeditineverypart;thecornicesofitshuge，bareroomswerefestoonedwithblackenedcobwebs，andthedustanddirtofageshadbeensufferedtoaccumulateuponthestonefloorsofitscorridors。Thesignorinatuckedupherpetticoatsasshepickedherwayalongthepassagestoherbedroom，whileIremainedbehindtoorderdinnerofthesulky，black-browedpadronatowhomI
hadalreadyhadtoexplainthatmycompanionandIwerenotmanandwife，andwho，Ifear，hadconsequentlyconceivednoveryhighopinionofus。Happilythepriesthadalreadybeenwarnedbytelegramthathisservicewouldnotberequireduntilthemorrow;soIwassparedthenuisanceofaninterviewwithhim。
Afteratimewesatdowntoourtete-a-tetedinner。Suchadinner！
EvenafteralapseofalltheseyearsIamunabletothinkofitwithoutashudder。Halffamishedthoughwewere，wecouldnotdomuchmorethanlookatthegreaterpartofthedisheswhichweresetbeforeus;andtheclimaxwasreachedwhenwewereservedwithanastonishingcompote，madeup，sofarasIwasabletojudge，ofequalproportionsofpreservedplumsandmustard，towhichvinegarandsugarhadbeensuperadded。BoththesignorinaandIpartookofthishorriblemixture，foritreallylookedasifitmightberathernice;andwhen，afterthefirstmouthful，eachofuslookedup，andsawtheother’sfaceofagonyandalarm，weburstintoasimultaneouspealoflaughter。Uptothatmomentwehadbeenverysolemnanddepressed;butthelaughdidusgood，andsentustobedinsomewhatbetterspirits;andthemalignantcompoteatleastdidustheserviceofeffectuallybanishingourappetite。
Iforbeartoenlargeuponthehorrorsofthenight。Mosquitos，andotherinsects，which，forsomereasonorother，weEnglishseldommention，saveunderamodestpseudonym，workedtheirwickedwilluponmetilldaybreaksetmefree;andIpresumethatthefairBiancawasnobetteroff，forwhenthebreakfasthourarrivedIreceivedamessagefromhertotheeffectthatshewasunabletoleaveherroom。
Iwassittingovermydrearylittlerepast，wonderinghowIshouldgetthroughtheday，andspeculatinguponthepossibilityofmyreleasebeforenightfall，andIhadjustconcludedthatImustmakeupmymindtofaceanothernightwiththemosquitosandtheirhardyallies，when，tomygreatjoy，aslatternlyserving-maidcamelollopingintotheroom，andannouncedthatagentlemanstylinghimself\"/ilContediRosenau/\"hadarrivedanddemandedtoseemeinstantly。Herewasapieceofunlooked-forgoodfortune！Ijumpedup，andflewtothedoortoreceivemyfriend，whosefootstepsIalreadyheardonthethreshold。
\"Mydear，goodsoul！\"Icried，\"thisistoodelightful！Howdidyoumanage————\"
Theremainderofmysentencediedawayuponmylips;for，alas！itwasnotthemissingAlbertowhomIhadnearlyembraced，butastout，red-
faced，white-moustachedgentleman，whowasinaviolentpassion，judgingbytheterrificsaluteofTeutonicexpletiveswithwhichhegreetedmyadvance。Thenhe，too，desistedassuddenlyasIhaddone，andwebothfellbackafewpaces，andstaredateachotherblankly。
Thenew-comerwasthefirsttorecoverhimself。
\"Thisissomeaccursedmistake，\"saidhe，inGerman。
\"Evidently，\"saidI。
\"ButtheytoldmethatyouandanItalianyoungladyweretheonlystrangersinthehouse。\"
\"Well，sir，\"Isaid，\"Ican’thelpitifweare。Thehouseisnotofakindlikelytoattractstrangers;andIassureyouthat，ifIcouldconsultmyownwishes，thenumberofguestswouldsoonbereducedbyone。\"
Heappearedtobeaverycholericoldperson。\"Sir，\"saidhe，\"youseemdisposedtocarrythingsoffwithahighhand;butIsuspectthatyouknowmorethanyouchoosetoreveal。Besogoodastotellmethenameoftheladywhoisstayinghere。\"
\"Ithinkyouareforgettingyourself，\"Iansweredwithdignity。\"I
mustdeclinetogratifyyourcuriosity。\"
Hestuckhisarmsakimbo，andplantedhimselfdirectlyinfrontofme，frowningominously。\"Letuswastenomorewords，\"hesaid。\"IfIhavemadeamistake，Ishallbereadytoofferyouafullapology。Ifnot——
Butthatisnothingtothepurpose。IamLieutenant-GeneralGrafvonRosenau，atyourservice，andIhavereasontobelievethatmyson，GrafAlbrechtvonRosenau，alieutenantinhisImperialandRoyalMajesty’s99thCroatRegiment，hasmadearunawaymatchwithacertainSignorinaBiancaMarinelliofVenice。AreyoupreparedtogivemeyourwordofhonourasagentlemanandanEnglishmanthatyouarenotprivytothisaffair？\"
AttheseterriblewordsIfeltmybloodruncold。Imayhavelostmypresenceofmind;butIdon’tknowhowIcouldhavegotoutofthedilemmaevenifIhadpreservedit。
\"Yoursonhasnotyetarrived，\"Istammered。
Hepounceduponmelikeacatuponamouse，andgrippedbothmyarmsabovetheelbow。\"Ishemarried？\"hehissed，withhisrednoseacoupleofinchesfrommine。
\"No，\"Ianswered，\"heisnot。PerhapsIhadbettersayatoncethatifyouusepersonalviolenceIshalldefendmyself，inspiteofyourage。\"
Uponthishewaskindenoughtorelaxhishold。
\"Andpray，sir，\"heresumed，inasomewhatmoretemperatetone，afterashortperiodofreflection，\"whathaveyoutodowithallthis？\"
\"Iamnotboundtoansweryourquestions，HerrGraf，\"Ireplied;\"but，asthingshaveturnedout，Ihavenospecialobjectiontodoingso。
Outofpuregood-naturetoyourson，whowasdetainedbydutyinVeniceatthelastmoment，IconsentedtobringtheSignorinaMarinellihereyesterday，andtoawaithisarrival，whichIamnowexpecting。\"
\"Soyouranawaywiththegirl，insteadofAlbrecht，didyou？Ho，ho，ho！\"
Ihadseldomheardamoregratingordisagreeablelaugh。
\"Ididnothingofthesort，\"Ianswered，tartly。\"Isimplyundertooktoseehersafelythroughthefirststageofherjourney。\"
\"Andyouwillhavethepleasureofseeingherback，Iimagine;forasformyrascalofaboy，Imeantotakehimoffhomewithmeassoonashearrives;andIcanassureyouthatIhavenointentionofprovidingmyselfwithadaughter-in-lawinthecourseoftheday。\"
Ibegantofeelnotalittlealarmed。\"YoucannothavethebrutalitytoleavemeherewithayoungwomanwhomIamscarcelysomuchasacquaintedwithonmyhands！\"Iejaculated，halfinvoluntarily。\"WhatintheworldshouldIdo？\"
Theoldgentlemangaveventtoamalevolentchuckle。\"Uponmyword，sir，\"saidhe，\"Icanonlyseeonecourseopentoyouasamanofhonour。Youmustmarryheryourself。\"
AtthisIfairlylostallpatience，andgavetheGrafmyopinionofhisconductintermstheplainnessofwhichleftnothingtobedesired。Iincludedhim，hisson，andtheentireGermanpeopleinonesweepinganathema。NoEnglishman，Isaid，wouldhavebeencapableofeitherinsultinganinnocentlady，orofsobaselyleavinginthelurchonewhoseonlyfaulthadbeenatoogreatreadinesstosacrificehisownconveniencetotheinterestsofothers。MyindignationlentmeaflowofwordssuchasIshouldneverhavebeenabletocommandincalmermoments;andIdaresayIshouldhavecontinuedinthesamestrainforanindefinitetime，hadInotbeensummarilycutshortbytheentranceofathirdperson。
Therewasnooccasionforthislastintrudertoannouncehimself，inavoiceofthunder，astheMarcheseMarinelli。Ihadatoncerecognisedtheoriginalofthesignorina’sphotograph，andIperceivedthatIwasnowinaboutasuncomfortableapositionasmybitterestenemycouldhavedesiredforme。TheGermanoldgentlemanhadbeenveryangryattheoutset;buthiswrath，ascomparedwiththatoftheItalian，wasasabreezetoahurricane。Themarchesewasliterallyquiveringfromheadtofootwithconcentratedfury。Hisfacewasdeadlywhite，hisstronglymarkedfeaturestwitchedconvulsively，hiseyesblazedlikethoseofawildanimal。Havingstatedhisidentityinthemanneralreadyreferredto，hemadetwostridestowardthetablebywhichI
wasseated，andstoodglaringatmeasthoughhewouldhavesprungatmythroat。IthoughtitmightavertconsequenceswhichweshouldbothafterwarddeploreifIweretoplacethetablebetweenus;andIdidsowithoutlossoftime。FromtheothersideofthatbarrierIadjuredmyvisitortokeepcool，pledginghimmyword，inthesamebreath，thattherewasnoharmdoneasyet。
\"Noharm！\"herepeated，inastridentshoutthatechoedthroughthebareroom。\"Dog！Villain！Youensnaremydaughter’saffections——youenticeherawayfromherfather’shouse——youcovermyfamilywitheternaldisgrace——andthenyoudaretotellmethereisnoharmdone！
Waitalittle，andyoushallseethattherewillbeharmenoughforyou。Marryheryoumust，sinceyouhaveruinedher;butyoushalldieforitthenextday！ItisI——I，LudovicoMarinelli——whoswearit！\"
IamawarethatIdobutscantjusticetothemarchese’sinimitablestyle。Theabovesentencesmustbeimaginedashurledforthinaseriesofyells，withapantbetweeneachofthem。AsamelodramaticactorthisterrificMarinelliwould，Iamsure，haverisentothefirstrankinhisprofession。
\"Signore，\"Isaid，\"youareunderamisapprehension。Ihaveensnarednobody’saffections，andIamentirelyguiltlessofallthecrimeswhichyouarepleasedtoattributetome。\"
\"What？Areyounot，then，thehoundwhobearsthevileanddishonourednameofVonRosenau？\"
\"Iamnot。Ibearthelessdistinguished，but，Ihope，equallyrespectablepatronymicofJenkinson。\"
Butmymodestdisclaimerpassedunheeded，fornowanothercombatanthadthrownhimselfintothefray。
\"Vileanddishonouredname！Nooneshallpermithimselfsuchlanguageinmypresence。IamLieutenant-GeneralGrafvonRosenau，sir，andyoushallanswertomeforyourwords。\"
TheHerrGraf’sknowledgeofItalianwassomewhatlimited;but，suchasitwas，ithadenabledhimtocatchthesenseofthestigmacastuponhisfamily，andnowhewasuponhisfeet，redandgobbling，likeaturkey-cock，andpreparedtodobattlewithahundredirateVenetiansifneedwere。
Themarchesestaredathiminblankamazement。\"/You！/\"heejaculated——\"youVonRosenau！Itisincredible——preposterous。Why，youareoldenoughtobehergrandfather。\"
\"Notoldenoughtobeinmydotage，——asIshouldbeifIpermittedmysontomarryabeggarlyItalian，——nortoooldtopunishimpertinenceasitdeserves，\"retortedtheGraf。
\"Yourson？Youarethefatherthen？Itisallthesametome。Iwillfightyouboth。Butthemarriageshalltakeplacefirst。\"
\"Itshallnot。\"
\"Itshall。\"
\"InsolentslaveofanItalian，Iwillmakeyoueatyourwords！\"
\"TriplebruteofaGerman，Ispituponyou！\"
\"Silence，sir！\"
\"Silenceyourself！\"
DuringthisanimateddialogueIsatapart，softlyrubbingmyhands。
Whatahappydispensationitwouldbe，Icouldnothelpthinking，ifthesetwooldmadmenweretoexterminateeachother，liketheKilkennycats！Anyhow，theirattentionwaseffectuallydivertedfrommyhumbleperson，andthatwassomethingtobethankfulfor。
NeverbeforehadIbeenprivilegedtolistentosorichavocabularyofvituperation。Eachdisputanthadexpressedhimself，afterthefirstfewwords，inhisownlanguage，andbetweenthemtheywerenowmakinghubbubenoughtobringtheoldhousedownabouttheirears。Upcamethepadronatoseethefun;upcameherfathusband，inhisshirt-
sleevesandslippers;andherlong-leggedsons，andhertousle-headeddaughters，andthemaid-servant，andthecook，andtheostler——thewholeestablishment，infact，collectedattheopenfolding-doors，andwatchedwithdelighttheprogressofthisbattleofwords。Lastofall，apoorlittletremblingfigure，withpalefaceandeyesbigwithfright，creptin，andstood，handonheart，alittleinadvanceofthegroup。Islippedtoherside，andofferedherachair，butsheneitheransweredmenornoticedmypresence。Shewasstaringatherfatherasabirdstaresatasnake，andseemedunabletorealiseanythingexcepttheterriblefactthathehadfollowedandfoundher。
Presentlytheoldmanwheeledround，andbecameawareofhisdaughter。
\"Unhappygirl！\"heexclaimed，\"whatisthisthatyouhavedone？\"
Igreatlyfearthatthemarchese’spaternalcorrectionsmusthavesometimestakenamorepracticalshapethanmereverbalupbraidings;
forpoorBiancashrankback，throwinguponearm，asiftoshieldherface，and，withawildcryof\"Alberto！cometome！\"fellintothearmsofthattardylover，whoatthatappropriatemomenthadmadehisappearance，unobserved，uponthescene。
Thepolyglotdisturbancethatensuedbafflesalldescription。Indeed，Ishouldbepuzzledtosayexactlywhattookplace，orafterhowmanycommands，defiances，threats，protestations，insults，andexplanations，asemblanceofpeacewasfinallyrestored。Ionlyknowthat，attheexpirationofacertaintime，threeofusweresittingbytheopenwindow，inasoftenedandsubduedframeofmind，consideratelyturningourbacksupontheothertwo，whowerebiddingeachotherfarewellatthefartherendoftheroom。
ItwasthefaithlessJohann，asIgathered，whowasresponsibleforthiscatastrophe。Hisheart，itappeared，hadfailedhimwhenhehaddiscoveredthatnothinglessthanabona-fidemarriagewastobetheoutcomeofthemeetingshehadshownsomuchskillincontriving，and，fullofpenitenceandalarm，hehadwrittentohisoldmaster，divulgingthewholeproject。Itsohappenedthatarecentstorminthemountainshadinterruptedtelegraphiccommunication，forthetime，betweenAustriaandVenice，andtheonlycoursethathadseemedopentoHerrvonRosenauwastostartpost-hasteforthelatterplace，where，indeed，hewouldhavearrivedadaytoolatehadnotAlbrecht’scolonelseenfittopostponehisleave。InthislattercircumstancealsothehandofJohannseemeddiscernible。Asforthemarchese，I
supposehemusthavereturnedrathersoonerthanhadbeenexpectedfromPadua，andfindinghisdaughtergone，musthaveextortedthetruthfromhishousekeeper。Hedidnotvolunteeranyexplanationofhispresence，norwereanyofusboldenoughtoquestionhim。
AsIhavesaidbefore，Ihavenoveryclearrecollectionofhowanunderstandingwasarrivedatandbloodshedavertedandthepadronaandhersatelliteshustleddownstairsagain。PerhapsImayhavehadsomeshareintheworkofpacification。Bethatasitmay，whenoncetheexasperatedparentshaddiscoveredthattheybothreallywantedthesamething，——namely，torecoverpossessionoftheirrespectiveoffspring，togohome，andnevermeeteachotheragain，——aspeciesoftrucewassoonagreeduponbetweenthemforthepurposeofseparatingthetwolovers，whoallthistimewerelockedineachother’sarms，intheprettiestattitudeintheworld，vowingloudlythatnothingshouldeverpartthem。
Howoftensincetheworldbeganhavesuchvowsbeenmadeandbroken——
broken，notwillingly，butofnecessity——brokenandmournedover，and，induecourseoftime，forgotten！IlookedattheMarchesediSanSilvestrotheothernight，asshesaileduptheroominherlaceanddiamonds，withherfatlittlehusbandtoddlingafterher，andwonderedwhether，inthesedaysofhermagnificence，sheevergaveathoughttoherlostAlberto——Alberto，whohasbeenmarriedhimselfthismanyalongday，andhassucceededtohisfather’sestates，andhasnumerousfamily，Iamtold。Atallevents，shewasunhappyenoughoverpartingwithhimatthetime。Thetwooldgentlemen，who，asholdersofthepurse-strings，knewthattheywerecompletelymastersofthesituation，andcouldaffordtobegenerous，showedsomekindlinessoffeeingatthelast。Theyallowedthepoorloversanuninterruptedhalf-hourinwhichtobideachotheradieuforever，andabstainedfromanyneedlessharshnessinmakingtheirdecisionknown。Whenthetimewasup，twotravelling-carriageswereseenwaitingatthedoor。CountvonRosenaupushedhissonbeforehimintothefirst;themarcheseassistedthehalf-faintingBiancaintothesecond;thevetturinicrackedtheirwhips，andpresentlybothvehicleswererollingaway，theonetowardthenorth，theothertowardthesouth。Isupposetheyoungpeoplehadbeenpromisingtoremainfaithfultoeachotheruntilsomehappierfuturetimeshouldpermitoftheirunion，foratthelastmomentAlbrechtthrusthisheadoutofthecarriagewindow，and，wavinghishand，cried，\"/Arivederci！/\"Idon’tknowwhethertheyevermetagain。
Thewholescene，Iconfess，hadaffectedmeagooddeal，inspiteofsomeoftheabsurditiesbywhichithadbeenmarked;anditwasnotuntilIhadbeenaloneforsometime，andsilencehadoncemorefallenupontheLongarone/osteria/，thatIawoketothefactthatitwas/my/carriagewhichtheMarcheseMarinellihadcalmlyappropriatedtohisownuse，andthattherewasnovisiblemeansofmygettingbacktoVenicethatday。Greatwasmyangerandgreatmydismaywhentheostlerannouncedthisnewstome，withabroadgrin，inreplytomyordertoputthehorsestowithoutdelay。
\"Butthemarchesehimself——howdidhegethere？\"Iinquired。
\"Oh，hecamebythediligence。\"
\"Andthecount——theyounggentleman？\"
\"Onhorseback，signore;butyoucannothavehishorse。Thepoorbeastishalfdeadasitis。\"
\"ThenwillyoutellmehowIamtoescapefromyourinfernaltown？Fornothingshallinducemetopassanothernighthere。\"
\"Eh！thereisthediligencewhichgoesthroughattwoo’clockinthemorning！\"
Therewasnohelpforit。Isatupforthatdiligence，andreturnedbyittoMestre，seatedbetweenaCapuchinmonkandapeasantfarmerwhosewholesystemappearedtobesaturatedwithgarlic。IcouldscarcelyhavefaredworseinmybedatLongarone。
Andsothatwasmyrewardforanactofdisinterestedkindness。Itisonlyexperiencethatcanteachamantoappreciatetheingrainedthanklessnessofthehumanrace。Iwasobligedtomakeacleanbreastofittomysister，whoofcoursedidnotkeepthesecretlong;andforsometimeafterwardIhadtosubmittoagooddealofmildchaffuponthesubjectfrommyfriends。Butitisanoldstorynow，andtwooftheactorsinitaredead，andoftheremainingthreeIdaresayI
amtheonlyonewhocarestorecallit。Eventomeitisasomewhatpainfulreminiscence。
GONERIL
BY
A。MARYF。ROBINSON
CHAPTERI
THETWOOLDLADIES
OnoneofthepleasanthillsroundFlorence，alittlebeyondCamerata，therestandsahousesosmallthatanEnglishmanwouldprobablytakeitforalodgeofthegreatvillabehind，whosegardentreesatsunsetcasttheirshadowoverthecottageanditsterraceontothesteepwhiteroad。Butanyofthecountrypeoplecouldtellhimthatthis，too，isa/casasignorile/，despiteitssmallness。Itstandssomewhathighabovetheroad，asquarewhitehousewithaprojectingroof，andwithfourgreen-shutteredwindowsoverlookingthegaybutnarrowterrace。ThebedsunderthewindowswouldhavefulfilledthefancyofthatFrenchpoetwhodesiredthatinhisgardenonemight，ingatheringanosegay，cullasalad，fortheyboastedlittleelsethansweetbasil，smallandwhite，andsometallgrayrosemarybushes。
Nearertothedooranunusuallylargeoleanderfacedastrongandsturdymagnolia-tree，andthese，withtheirprofusionofredandwhitesweetness，madeamendsforthedearthofgardenflowers。Ateitherendoftheterraceflourishedathicketofgum-cistus，syringa，stephanotis，andgeraniumbushes;andthewallitself，droppingsheerdowntotheroad，wasborderedwiththecustomaryFlorentinehedgeofChinarosesandirises，nowoutofbloom。Greatterra-cottaflower-
pots，coveredwithdevices，wereplacedatintervalsalongthewall;
asitwassummer，theorangesandlemons，fullofwonderfullysweetwhiteblossomsandyounggreenfruit，weresetthereinthesuntoripen。
Itwasthe17thofJune。Althoughitwasafterfouro’clock，theolivesonthesteephillthatwentdowntoFlorencelookedblindinglywhite，shadeless，andsharp。Theairtrembledroundthebrightgreencypressesbehindthehouse。Theroofsteamed。Allthewindowswereshut，allthejalousiesshut，yetitwassohotthatnoonecouldstirwithin。Themaidsleptinthekitchen;thetwoelderlymistressesofthehousedozedupontheirbeds。Notamovement;notasound。
GraduallyalongthesteeproadfromCameratatherecamearollofdistantcarriage-wheels。Thesoundcamenearerandnearer，tillonecouldseethecarriage，andseethedriverleadingthetired，thin，cab-horse，hisbonesstartingundertheshaggyhide。Insidethecarriagereclinedahandsome，middle-agedlady，withasternprofileturnedtowardtheroad;ayounggirlinpalepinkcottonandabroadhattrudgedupthehillattheside。
\"Goneril，\"saidMissHamelyn，\"letmebegyouagaintocomeinsidethecarriage。\"
\"Ohno，AuntMargaret;I’mnotabittired。\"
\"ButIhaveaskedyou;thatisreasonenough。\"
\"It’ssohot！\"criedGoneril。
\"ThatiswhyIobjecttoyourwalking。\"
\"Butifit’ssohotforme，justthinkhowhotismustbeforthehorse。\"
Gonerilcastacommiseratingglanceatthepoor，halting，wheezingnag。
\"Thehorse，probably，\"rejoinedMissHamelyn，\"doesnotsufferfrommalaria，neitherhashekepthisauntinFlorencenursinghimtillthemiddleheatofthesummer。\"
\"True！\"saidGoneril。Then，afterafewminutes，\"I’llgetin，AuntMargaret，ononecondition。\"
\"Inmytimeyoungpeopledidnotmakeconditions。\"
\"Verywell，auntie;I’llgetin，andyoushallanswerallmyquestionswhenyoufeelinclined。\"
Thecarriagestopped。Thepoorhorsepantedathisease，whilethegirlseatedherselfbesideMissHamelyn。Thenforafewminutestheydroveoninsilencepasttheorchards;pasttheolive-yards，yellowunderneaththeripeningcorn;pastthesuddenwideviewsofthemountains，faintlycrimsoninthemistofheat，and，ontheotherside，ofFlorence，thetowersanddomessteamingbesidethehazyriver。
\"Howhotitlooksdownthere！\"criedGoneril。
\"Howhotit/feels/！\"echoedMissHamelyn，rathergrimly。
\"Yes，Iamsogladyoucangetawayatlast，dear，pooroldauntie。\"
Then，alittlelater，\"Won’tyoutellmesomethingabouttheoldladieswithwhomyouaregoingtoleaveme？\"
MissHamelynwasmollifiedbyGoneril’sobedience。
\"Theyareveryniceoldladies，\"shesaid;\"ImetthematMrs。
Gorthrup’s。\"Butthiswasnotatallwhattheyounggirlwanted。
\"Onlythink，AuntMargaret，\"shecried，impatiently，\"Iamtostaythereforatleastsixweeks，andIknownothingaboutthem，notwhatagetheyare，noriftheyaretallorshort，jollyorprim，pretty，orugly，noteveniftheyspeakEnglish！\"
\"TheyspeakEnglish，\"saidMissHamelyn，beginningattheend。\"OneofthemisEnglish，oratleastIrish：MissPrunty。\"
\"Andtheother？\"
\"SheisanItalian，SignoraPetrucci;sheusedtobeveryhandsome。\"
\"Oh！\"saidGoneril，lookingpleased。\"I’mgladshe’shandsome，andthattheyspeakEnglish。Buttheyarenotrelations？\"
\"No，theyarenotconnected;theyarefriends。\"
\"Andhavetheyalwayslivedtogether？\"
\"EversinceMadameLillidied，\"andMissHamelynnamedaverycelebratedsinger。
\"Why！\"criedGoneril，quiteexcited;\"weretheysingerstoo？\"
\"MadamePetrucci;neverthelessaladyofthehighestrespectability。
MissPruntywasMadameLilli’ssecretary。\"
\"Hownice！\"criedtheyounggirl;\"howinteresting！Oauntie，I’msogladyoufoundthemout。\"
\"SoamI，child;butpleaserememberitisnotanordinarypension。
Theyonlytakeyou，Goneril，tillyouarestrongenoughtotravel，asanespecialfavourtomeandtotheiroldfriend，Mrs。Gorthrup。\"
\"I’llremember，auntie。\"
Bythistimetheyweredrivingundertheterraceinfrontofthelittlehouse。
\"Goneril，\"saidtheelderlady，\"Ishallleaveyououtside;youcanplayinthegardenortheorchard。\"
\"Verywell。\"
MissHamelynleftthecarriageandascendedthesteeplittleflightofstepsthatleadsfromtheroadtothecottagegarden。
Intheporchasingularfigurewasawaitingher。
\"Good-afternoon，MadamePetrucci，\"saidMissHamelyn。
Aslenderoldlady，oversixty，rathertall，inabrownsilkskirt，andawhiteburnoosethatshowedtheshrunkenslimnessofherarms，cameeagerlyforward。Shewasratherpretty，withsmallrefinedfeatures，largeexpressionlessblueeyes，andlongwhitish-yellowringletsdownhercheeks，inthefashionoffortyyearsago。
\"Oh，/dear/MissHamelyn，\"shecried，\"how/glad/Iamtoseeyou！Andhaveyoubroughtyour/charming/youngrelation？\"
Shespokewithalanguidforeignaccent，andwithanemphaticandbountifuluseofadjectives，thatgavetoourseverergenerationanimpressionofinsincerity。YetitwassaidwithtruththatGiuliaPetruccihadneverforgottenafriendnoranenemy。
\"Gonerilisoutside，\"saidMissHamelyn。\"HowisMissPrunty？\"
\"Brigida？Oh，youmustcomeinsideandseemyinvaluableBrigida。Sheis，asusual，fatiguingherselfwithouraccounts。\"Theoldladyledthewayintothedarkenedparlour。Itwassmallandratherstiff。Asone’seyesbecameaccustomedtothedimgreenlightonenoticedtheincongruityofthefurniture：thehorsehairchairsandsofa，andlargeaccountant’sdeskwithledgers;thelargePleyelgrandpiano;abookcase，inwhichallthebookswererarecopiesorpricelessMSS。ofold-fashionedoperas;hangingagainstthewallaninlaidguitarandsomefadedlaurelcrowns;moreover，afineengravingofacomposer，twentyyearsagothemostpopularmaninItaly;lastly，anoil-colourportrait，byWinterman，ofafascinatingblonde，withverybarewhiteshoulders，holdinginherhandsascroll，onwhichwereinscribedsomenotesofmusic，underthetitleGiuliaPetrucci。Inshort，theprivateparlourofanelderlyandrespectabledivaoftheyear’40。
\"Brigida！\"criedMadamePetrucci，goingtothedoor。\"Brigida！ourcharmingEnglishfriendisarrived！\"
\"Allright！\"answeredastrong，heartyvoicefromupstairs。\"I’mcoming。\"
\"Youmustexcuseme，dearMissHamelyn，\"wentonMadamePetrucci。\"Youmustexcusemeforshoutinginyourpresence，butwehaveonlyonelittleservant，andduringthissuffocatingweatherIfindthatanymovementremindsmeofapproachingage。\"Theoldladysmiledasifthattimewerestillfarahead。
\"Iamsureyououghttotakecareofyourself，\"saidMissHamelyn。\"I
hopeyouwillnotallowGoneriltofatigueyou。\"
\"Gonerilla！Whataprettyname！Charming！Isupposeitisinyourfamily？\"askedtheoldlady。
MissHamelynblushedalittle，forherniece’snamewasasorepointwithher。
\"It’sanawfulnameforanyChristianwoman，\"saidadeepvoiceatthedoor。\"Andpray，who’scalledGoneril？\"
MissPruntycameforward：ashort，thick-setwomanoffifty，withfinedarkeyes，and，eveninaFlorentinesummer，withsomethingstiffandmasculineinthefashionofherdress。
\"Andhaveyoubroughtyourniece？\"shesaid，assheturnedtoMissHamelyn。
\"Yes，sheisinthegarden。\"
\"Well，Ihopesheunderstandsthatshe’llhavetoroughithere。\"
\"Gonerilisaverysimplegirl，\"saidMissHamelyn。
\"Soit’sshethat’scalledGoneril？\"
\"Yes，\"saidtheaunt，makinganeffort。\"OfcourseIamawareofthestrangenessofthename，but——but，infact，mybrotherwasdevotedlyattachedtohiswife，whodiedatGoneril’sbirth。\"
\"Whew！\"whistledMissPrunty。\"Theparsonmusthavebeenafoolwhochristenedher！\"
\"Hedid，infact，refuse;butmybrotherwouldhavenobaptismsavingwiththatname，which，unfortunately，itisimpossibletoshorten。\"
\"Ithinkitisacharmingname！\"saidMadamePetrucci，comingtotherescue。\"Gonerilla——itdiesonone’slipslikemusic！Andifyoudonotlikeit，Brigida，what’sinaname？asyourcharmingByronsaid。\"
\"Ihopeweshallmakeherhappy，\"saidMissPrunty。
\"Ofcourseweshall！\"criedtheelderlady。
\"Goneriliseasilymadehappy，\"assertedMissHamelyn。
\"That’sagoodthing，snappedMissPrunty，\"forthere’snotmuchheretomakeherso！\"
\"OBrigida！Iamsuretherearemanyattractions。Theair，theview，thehistoricassociation！and，morethanall，youknowthereisalwaysachanceofthesignorino！\"
\"Ofwhom？\"saidMissHamelyn，ratheranxiously。
\"Ofhim！\"criedMadamePetrucci，pointingtotheengravingopposite。
\"Helives，ofcourse，inthecapital;butherentsthevillabehindourhouse，——theMediciVilla，——andwhenheistiredofRomeherunsdownhereforaweekorso;andsoyourGonerillamayhavethebenefitof/his/society！\"
\"Verynice，I’msure，\"saidMissHamelyn，greatlyrelieved;forsheknewthatSignorGrazianomustbefifty。
\"Wehaveknownhim，\"wentontheoldlady，\"verynearlythirtyyears。
Heusedtolargelyfrequentthesalonofourdear，ourcherishedMadameLilli。\"
Thetearscameintotheoldlady’seyes。Nodoubtthosedaysseemednearanddeartoher;shedidnotseethedustonthosefadedtriumphs。
\"That’sallstalenews！\"criedMissPrunty，jumpingup。\"AndGon’ril（sinceI’llhavetocallherso）mustbetiredofwaitinginthegarden。\"
Theywalkedoutontotheterrace。Thegirlwasnotthere，butbythegateintotheolive-yard，wheretherewasalean-toshedfortools，theyfoundhersittingonacask，whittlingapieceofwoodandtalkingtoacurly-headedlittlecontadino。
Hearingsteps，Gonerilturnedround。\"Hewasasleep，\"shesaid。
\"Fancy，insuchbeautifulweather！\"
Then，rememberingthattwooftheladieswerestillstrangers，shemadeanold-fashionedlittlecourtesy。
\"Ihopeyouwon’tfindmeatrouble，ladies，\"shesaid。
\"Sheischarming！\"saidMadamePetrucci，throwingupherhands。
Gonerilblushed;herhathadslippedbackandshowedhershortbrowncurlsofhair，strongregularfeatures，andflexilescarletmouthlaughingupwardlikeafaun’s。Shehadsweetdarkeyes，alittletoosmallandnarrow。
\"Imeantobeveryhappy，\"sheexclaimed。
\"Alwaysmeanthat，mydear，\"saidMissPrunty。
\"Andnow，sinceGonerillaisnolongerastranger，\"addedMadamePetrucci，\"wewillleavehertotherusticsocietyofAngiolinowhileweshowMissHamelynourorangery。\"
\"Andconcludeourbusiness！\"saidBridgetPrunty。
CHAPTERII
THESIGNORINO
Oneday，whenGoneril，muchbrownerandrosierforaweekamongthemountains，cameintolunchatnoon，shefoundnosignsofthatusuallyregularrepast。Thelittlemaidwasonherkneespolishingthefloor;MissPruntywasscolding，dusting，orderingdinner，arrangingvases，allatonce;strangestofall，MadamePetruccihadtakentheoil-clothcoverfromhergrandpiano，and，seatedbeforeit，waspractisinghersweetandfadednotes，unheedfulofthesurroundingdinandbusiness。
\"What’sthematter？\"criedGoneril。
\"Weexpectthesignorino，\"saidMissPrunty。
\"Andishegoingtostayhere？\"
\"Don’tbeafool！\"snappedthatlady;andthensheadded，\"Gointothekitchenandgetsomeofthepastyandsomebreadandcheese——there’sagoodgirl。\"
\"Allright！\"saidGoneril。
MadamePetruccistoppedhervocalising。\"Youshallhaveallthebetteradinnertocompensateyou，myGonerilla！\"Shesmiledsweetly，andthenagainbecameZerlina。
Gonerilcutherlunch，andtookitoutofdoorstosharewithhercompanion，Angiolino。Hewasharvestingthefirstcornundertheolives，butatnoonitwastoohottowork。Sittingstilltherewas，however，acoolbreezethatgentlystirredthesharp-edgedolive-
leaves。
Angiolinolaydownatfulllengthandmunchedhisbreadandcheeseinperfecthappiness。Gonerilkeptshiftingabouttogetherselfintothenarrowshadowcastbythesplitandwrithentrunk。
\"Howaggravatingitis！\"shecried。\"InEngland，wherethere’snosun，there’splentyofshade;andhere，wherethesunislikeamustard-
plasteronone’sback，theleavesareallsetedgewiseonpurposethattheysha’n’tcastanyshadow！\"
Angiolinomadenoanswertothisintelligentremark。
\"Heisgoingtosleepagain！\"criedGoneril，stoppingherlunchindespair。\"Heisgoingtosleep，andtherearenoendofthingsIwanttoknow。Angiolino！\"
\"/Si/，signora，\"murmuredtheboy。
\"TellmeaboutSignorGraziano。\"
\"Heisourpadrone;heisneverhere。\"
\"Butheiscomingto-day。Wakeup，wakeup，Angiolino。Itellyou，heisontheway！\"
\"Betweenlifeanddeaththerearesomanycombinations，\"drawledtheboy，withTuscanincredulityandsententiousness。
\"Ah！\"criedthegirl，withalittleshiverofimpatience。\"Isheyoung？\"
\"/Che！/\"
\"Isheoldthen？\"
\"/Neppure！/\"
\"Whatishelike？Hemustbe/something/。\"
\"He’sourpadrone，\"repeatedAngiolino，inwhoseimaginationSignorGrazianocouldoccupynootherplace。
\"Howstupidyouare！\"exclaimedtheyoungEnglishgirl。
\"Maybe，\"saidAngiolino，stolidly。
\"Isheagoodpadrone？Doyoulikehim？\"
\"Rather！\"Theboysmiledandraisedhimselfononeelbow;hiseyestwinkledwithgood-humouredmalice。
\"My/babbo/hadmuchbetterwinethan/quelsignore/，\"hesaid。
\"Butthatiswrong！\"criedGoneril，quiteshocked。
\"Whoknows？\"
Afterthisconversationflagged。Goneriltriedtoimaginewhatagreatmusiciancouldbelike：longhair，ofcourse;herimaginationdidnotgetmuchbeyondthehair。Hewouldofcoursebemucholdernowthanhisportrait。ThenshewatchedAngiolinocuttingthecorn，andlearnedhowtotietheswathestogether。Shewasoccupiedinthisusefulemploymentwhenthenoiseofwheelsmadethembothstopandlookoverthewall。
\"Here’sthepadrone！\"criedtheboy。
\"Oh，heisold！\"saidGoneril。\"Heisoldandbrown，likeacoffee-
bean。\"
\"Tobeoldandgoodisbetterthanyouthwithmalice，\"suggestedAngiolino，bywayofconsolation。
\"Isupposeso，\"acquiescedGoneril。
Neverthelessshewentintodinneralittledisappointed。
Thesignorinowasnotinthehouse;hehadgoneuptothevilla;buthehadsentamessagethatlaterintheeveningheintendedtopayhisrespectstohisoldfriends。MadamePetrucciwasbeautifullydressedinsoftblacksilk，oldlace，andawhiteIndianshawl。MissPruntyhadonherstarchiestcollarandmostformaltie。Gonerilsawitwasnecessarythatshe，likewiseshoulddeckherselfinherbest。Shewasmuchtooyoungandimpressionablenottobeinfluencedbytheflutterofexcitementandinterestwhichfilledthewholeofthelittlecottage。Goneril，too，wasexcitedandanxious，althoughSignorGrazianohadseemedsooldandlikeacoffee-bean。Shemadenoprogressinthepieceofembroideryshewasworkingasapresentforthetwooldladies，jumpingupanddowntolookoutofthewindow。
When，abouteighto’clock，thedoor-bellrang，Gonerilblushed，MadamePetruccigaveaprettylittleshriek，MissPruntyjumpedupandrangforcoffee。Amomentafterwardthesignorinoentered。WhilehewasgreetingherhostessesGonerilcastarapidglanceathim。HewastallforanItalian，ratherbentandrathergray;fiftyatleast——thereforeveryold。Hecertainlywasbrown，buthisfeatureswerefineandgood，andhehadadistinguishedandbenevolentairthatsomehowmadeherthinkofanabbe，aFrenchabbeofthelastcentury。Shecouldquiteimaginehimsaying，\"/EnfantdeSt。Louis，montezauciel！/\"
Thusfarhadshegotinhermeditationswhenshefeltherselfaddressedinclear，half-mockingtones：
\"Andhow，thisevening，isMadamigellaRuth？\"
Sohehadseenherthiseveningbindinghiscorn。
\"Iamquitewell，padrone，\"shesaid，smilingshyly。
Thetwooldladieslookedonamazed，forofcoursetheywerenotinthesecret。
\"SignorGraziano，MissGonerilHamelyn，\"saidMissPrunty，ratherseverely。
Gonerilfeltthatthetimehadcomeforsilenceandgoodmanners。Shesatquitequietoverherembroidery，listeningtothetalkofSontag，ofClementi，ofmusiciansandsingersdeadandgone。ShenoticedthattheladiestreatedSignoreGrazianowiththeutmostreverence，eventhepositiveMissPruntyfurlingheropinionsindeferencetohisgayesthint。TheytalkedtooofMadameLilli，andalwaysasifshewerestillyoungandfair，asifshehaddiedyesterday，leavingtheechoofhertriumphloudbehindher。AndyetallthishadhappenedyearsbeforeGonerilhadeverseenthelight。
\"MeesGonerilisfeelingveryyoung！\"saidthesignorino，suddenlyturninghissharp，kindeyesuponher。
\"Yes，\"saidGoneril，allconfusion。
MadamePetruccilookedalmostannoyed——thegay，serenelittleladythatnothingeverannoyed。
\"Itisshethatisyoung！\"shecried，inanswertoanunspokenthought。\"Sheisababy！\"
\"Oh，Iamseventeen！\"saidGoneril。
Theyalllaughed，andseemedateaseagain。
\"Yes，yes;sheisveryyoung，\"saidthesignorino。
Butalittleshadowhadfallenacrosstheirplacidentertainment：thespirithadlefttheirmemories;theyseemedtohavegrownshapeless，dusty，asthefreshandcomelyfacesofdeadEtruscankingscrumbleintomouldatthetouchofthepitilesssunshine。
\"Signorino，\"saidMadamePetrucci，presently，\"ifyouwillaccompanymewewillperformoneofyourcharmingmelodies。\"
SignorGrazianorosealittlestifflyandledthepretty，witheredlittledivatothepiano。
Gonerillookedon，wondering，admiring。Thesignorino’sthinwhitehandsmadeadelicate，fluentmelody，remindingherofrunningwaterundertherippledshadeoftrees，and，likeahigh，sweetbird，thethin，penetratingnotesofthesingerrose，swelled，anddiedaway，admirablytrueandjusteveninthislatterweakness。AttheendSignorGrazianostoppedhisplayingtogivetimeforanelaboratecadenza。SuddenlyMadamePetruccigasped;asharpdiscordantsoundcrackedthedelicatefinishofhersinging。Sheputherhandkerchieftohermouth。
\"Bah！\"shesaid，\"thiseveningIamabominablyhusky。\"
ThetearsrosetoGoneril’seyes。Wasitsohardtogrowold？Thisdoubtmadehervoiceloudestofallinthechorusofmutualpraiseandthankswhichcoveredthesong’sabruptfinale。
Andthentherecameaterribleordeal。MissPrunty，anxioustodivertthecurrentofherfriend’sideas，hadsuggestedthatthegirlshouldsing。SignorGrazianoandmadameinsisted;theywouldtakenorefusal。
\"Sing，sing，littlebird！\"criedtheoldlady。
\"But，madame，howcanone——afteryou？\"
Thehomageintheyounggirl’svoicemadethelittledivamoregood-
humouredlyinsistentthanbefore，andGonerilwastoowell-bredtomakeafuss。Shestoodbythepianowonderingwhichtochoose，theHandelsthatshealwaysdrawledorthePinsutithatshealwaysgalloped。Suddenlyshecamebyaninspiration。
\"Madame，\"shepleaded，\"mayIsingoneofAngiolino’ssongs？\"
\"Whateveryoulike，/caramia/。\"
And，standingbythepiano，herarmshangingloose，shebeganachantsuchasthepeasantsuseworkingundertheolives。Hervoicewassmallanddeep，withapeculiarthicksweetnessthatsuitedthesong，halfhumourous，halfpathetic。Thesewerethewordsshesang：
\"Vorreimorirdimortepiccinina，Mortalaseraevivalamattina。
Vorreimorire，enonvorreimorire，Vorreivederchimipiangeechiride;
Vorreimorir，estarsullefinestre，Vorreivederchimicucelaveste;
Vorreimorir，estaresullascala，Vorreivederchimiportalabara：
Vorreimorir，evorre’alzarlavoce，Vorreivederchimiportalacroce。\"
\"Verywellchosen，mydear，\"saidMissPrunty，whenthesongwasfinished。
\"Andverywellsung，myGonerilla！\"criedtheoldlady。
Butthesignorinowentuptothepianoandshookhandswithher。
\"LittleMeesGoneril，\"hesaid，\"youhavethemakingsofanartist。\"
Thetwooldladiesstared，for，afterall，Goneril’sperformancehadbeenverysimple。Yousee，theywerebetterversedinmusicthaninhumannature。
CHAPTERIII
SIVIEILLESSEPOUVAIT！
SignorGraziano’susualweekofholidaypassedandlengthenedintoalmosttwomonths，andstillhestayedonatthevilla。Thetwooldladieswerehighlydelighted。
\"Atlasthehastakenmyadvice！\"criedMissPrunty。\"IalwaystoldhimthoseprematuregrayhairscamefromlatehoursandRomanair。\"
MadamePetruccishookherheadandgaveameaningsmile。Herfriendshipwiththesignorinohadbegunwhenhewasaladandsheacharmingmarriedwoman;likemanyanotherfriendship，ithadbegunwithaflirtation，andperhaps（whoknows？）shethoughttheflirtationhadrevived。
AsforGoneril，sheconsideredhimthemostcharmingoldmanshehadeverknown，andlikednothingsomuchastogooutawalkwithhim。
That，indeed，wasoneofthesignorino’spleasures;helovedtotaketheyounggirlalloverhisgardensandvineyards，talkingtoherintheamiable，half-petting，half-mockingmannerthathehadadoptedfromthefirst;andtwiceaweekhegaveheramusiclesson。
\"Shehasasplendidorgan！\"hewouldsay。
\"/Vouscroyez/？\"flutedMadamePetrucci，withthevilestaccentandthemostaggravatingsmileimaginable。
Itwastheonehobbyofthesignorino’sthatsheregardedwithdisrespect。
Goneriltoowasalittleboredbythemusiclesson，but，ontheotherhand，thewalksdelightedher。
OnedayGonerilwasoutwithherfriend。
\"Arethepeasantsverymuchafraidofyou，signore？\"sheasked。
\"AmIsuchatyrant？\"counter-questionedthesignorino。
\"No;buttheyarealwaysbeggingmetoaskyouthings。AngiolinowantstoknowifhemaygoforthreedaystoseehisuncleatFiesole。\"
\"Ofcourse。\"
\"Butwhy，then，don’ttheyaskyouthemselves？Isittheythinkmesocheeky？\"
\"PerhapstheythinkIcanrefuseyounothing。\"
\"/Che！/InthatcasetheywouldaskMadamePetrucci。\"
GonerilranontopicksomeChinaroses。Thesignorinostoppedconfounded。
\"Itisimpossible！\"hecried。\"ShecannotthinkIaminlovewithGiulia！ShecannotthinkIamsooldasthat！\"
Theideaseemedhorribletohim。HewalkedonveryquicklytillhecameuptoGoneril，whowasbusypluckingrosesinahedge。
\"Forwhomarethoseflowers？\"heasked。
\"SomeareforyouandsomeareforMadamePetrucci。\"
\"Sheisacharmingwoman，MadamePetrucci。\"
\"Adearoldlady，\"murmuredGoneril，muchmoreinterestedinherposy。
\"Old，doyoucallher？\"saidthesignorino，ratheranxiously。\"I
shouldscarcelycallherthat，thoughofcoursesheisagooddealolderthaneitherofus。\"
\"Eitherofus！\"Gonerillookedupastounded。Couldthesignorinohavesuddenlygonemad？
Heblushedalittleunderhisbrownskinthathadremindedherofacoffee-bean。
\"SheisagoodtenyearsolderthanIam，\"heexplained。
\"Ah，well，tenyearsisn’tmuch。\"
\"Youdon’tthinkso？\"hecried，delighted。Whoknows？shemightnotthinkeventhirtytoomuch。
\"Notatthatage，\"saidGoneril，blandly。
SignorGrazianocouldthinkofnoreply。