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。