"I am extremely flattered!" I said, in a somewhat sarcastical tone, "it is seldom I receive so tempting an invitation! I regret that I cannot accept it--at least, not at present.

Make my compliments to the lady, and tell her so in whatever sugared form of words you may think best fitted to please her ears." He looked surprised and puzzled.
"Do you really mean," he said, with a tinge of hauteur in his accents, "that you will not visit her--that you refuse her request ?" I smiled.

"I really mean, my dear Signor Ferrari, that, being always accustomed to have my own way, I can make no exception in favor of ladies, however fascinating they may be.

I have business in Naples--it claims my first and best attention.

When it is transacted I may possibly try a few frivolities for a change--at present I am unfit for the society of the fair sex--an old battered traveler as you see, brusque, and unaccustomed to polite lying.