But not till then! In the meantime--I thought earnestly for a few minutes, and then sitting down, I penned the following note.
"Caro amico! Delighted to hear of your good fortune, and still more enchanted to know you will soon enliven us all with your presence! I admire your little plan of surprising the countess, and will respect your wishes in the matter.

But you, on your part, must do me a trifling favor: we have been very dull since you left, and I purpose to start the gayeties afresh by giving a dinner on the 24th (Christmas Eve), in honor of your return--an epicurean repast for gentlemen only.
Therefore, I ask you to oblige me by fixing your return for that day, and on arrival at Naples, come straight to me at this hotel, that I may have the satisfaction of being the first to welcome you as you deserve.
Telegraph your answer and the hour of your train; and my carriage shall meet you at the station.

The dinner-hour can be fixed to suit your convenience of course; what say you to eight o'clock?
After dinner you can betake yourself to the Villa Romani when you please--your enjoyment of the lady's surprise and rapture will be the more keen for having been slightly delayed.

Trusting you will not refuse to gratify an old man's whim, I am, "Yours for the time being, "CESARE OLIVA." This epistle finished and written in the crabbed disguised penmanship it was part of my business to effect, I folded, sealed and addressed it, and summoning Vincenzo, bade him post it immediately.

As soon as he had gone on this errand, I sat down to my as yet untasted breakfast and made some effort to eat as usual.