" And he gave the man two gold pieces, one
of twenty francs, the other of ten.
"Eccellenza, I have no change--"
"I want none!" said Varillo airily,--"You asked twenty-five francs--
there are thirty. And now--as you say you have business in Rome, be
off with you!"
The man needed no second bidding; delighted with his thirty francs,
he called a gay "Buona notte, Signor!" and turning his horse's head
jogged down the road at a tolerably smart pace. The horse knew as
well as the driver, that the way now lay homeward, and lost no time.
Varillo, left to himself, paused a moment and looked about him. The
Campagna! How he hated it! Should he pass the night at that albergo,
or walk on? He hesitated a little--then made for the inn direct. It
was a bright, cosy little place enough, and the padrona, a cheery,
dark-eyed woman seated behind the counter, bade him smiling welcome.
Lodging--oh yes! she said, there was a charming room at the Signor's
disposal, with a view from the windows which in the early morning
was superb! The Signor was an artist?
"No!" said Varillo, almost fiercely--"I am a tourist--travelling for
pleasure!"
Ah! Then the view would enchant the Signor, because it would be
quite new to him! The room should be prepared at once! Would the
Signor take supper?
Yes,--the Signor would take supper.
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