Now, she can't very well go to the palace, for the first time, alone, you know! If you had not expressed the opinions you have on the subject, I should have gone with her, thinking no harm.

But perhaps--to the palace, you know;--it would be better, if you would not mind it, to accompany her, for the first time, yourself." "Very right, very properly thought of, my dear boy! Yes; I can go with her--or I can send Burini, which will come to the same thing." "No, uncle; not the same thing--to send a mere maestro di casa,--a servant! It would not be nice for the poor girl; it would make all the difference with the servants and people at the palace: if I avoid going with her to please you, you will go with her yourself, won't you ?" "Very well, very well; I'll go with her.

If any man has more to do of his own than all the rest of the city put together, there are sure to be other folk's affairs thrust on him also; it has been sowith me all my life.

Well, I will find half an hour somehow." "Thanks, uncle! Good-by, I wish you well through your meeting." "We shall see each other at dinner ?" "Yes.

A rivederla!".