And so he began to visit Rome in order to occupy his leisure.
His first visit was for the ruins of the Palatine.

Going out alone one clear morning at eight o'clock, he presented himself at the entrance in the Via San Teodoro, an iron gateway flanked by the lodges of the keepers.

One of the latter at once offered his services, and though Pierre would have preferred to roam at will, following the bent of his dream, he somehow did not like to refuse the offer of this man, who spoke French very distinctly, and smiled in a very good-natured way.

He was a squatly built little man, a former soldier, some sixty years of age, and his square-cut, ruddy face was barred by thick white moustaches.
"Then will you please follow me, Monsieur l'Abbe," said he.

"I can see that you are French, Monsieur l'Abbe.