Then, too, Carnival was approaching; Carnival, which, though denuded of many of its best and brightest features, still reels through the streets of Naples with something of the picturesque madness that in old times used to accompany its prototype, the Feast of Bacchus.

I was reminded of this coming festivity on the morning of the 21st of December, when I noted some unusual attempts on the part of Vincenzo to control his countenance, that often, in spite of his efforts, broadened into a sunny smile as though some humorous thought had flitted across his mind.

He betrayed himself at last by asking me demurely whether I purposed taking any part in the carnival?
I smiled and shook my head.
Vincenzo looked dubious, but finally summoned up courage to say: "Will the eccellenza permit--" "You to make a fool of yourself ?" I interrupted, "by all means! Take your own time, enjoy the fun as much as you please; I promise you I will ask no account of your actions." He was much gratified, and attended to me with even more punctiliousness than usual.

As he prepared my breakfast I asked him: "By the way, when does the carnival begin ?" "On the 26th," he answered, with a slight air of surprise.

"Surely the eccellenza knows." "Yes, yes," I said, impatiently.