But now, as a little chill fell, he raised his voice to say that on the previous day he himself had been astonished to see the famous fig-tree of Frascati still bearing fruit so late in the year.

This was doubtless due, however, to the tree's position and the protection of a high wall.
"Ah! so you saw the tree ?" said Benedetta.
"Yes, and I even travelled with those figs which you would so much like to taste." "Why, how was that ?" The young man already regretted the reply which had escaped him.

However, having gone so far, he preferred to say everything.

"I met somebody at Frascati who had come there in a carriage and who insisted on driving me back to Rome," said he.

"On the way we picked up Abbe Santobono, who was bravely making the journey on foot with his basket in his hand.