You surely don't mean to keep them on your knees all the way to Rome.

Give them to me, I'll put them in the hood." However, Santobono became quite agitated, and vigorously declined the offer.

"No, no, a thousand thanks! They don't embarrass me in the least; they are very well here; and in this way I shall be sure that no accident will befall them." His passion for the fruit he grew quite amused Prada, who nudged Pierre, and then inquired: "Is the Cardinal fond of your figs ?" "Oh! his Eminence condescends to adore them.

In former years, when he spent the summer at the villa, he would never touch the figs from other trees.

And so, you see, knowing his tastes, it costs me very little to gratify him." Whilst making this reply Santobono had shot such a keen glance in the direction of Pierre that the Count felt it necessary to introduce them to one another.