In the open fireplace blazed a wood fire very suggestive of American comfort--very deceitful in the suggestion, for there is little of home comfort in Italy.
"After some little delay I heard a footstep come shuffling along the outer room, and an exceedingly tall and very old man entered the room, in the singular head-dress of a red bandanna turban, approached me, and introduced himself as Dr.Somerville, the husband.
"He was very proud of his wife, and very desirous of talking about her, a weakness quite pardonable in the judgment of one who is desirous to know.

He began at once on the subject.

Mrs.Somerville, he said, took great interest in the Americans, for she claimed connection with the family of George Washington.
"Washington's half-brother, Lawrence, married Anne Fairfax, who was one of the Scotch family.

When Lieutenant Fairfax was ordered to America, Washington wrote to him as a family relative, and asked him to make him a visit.

Lieutenant Fairfax applied to his commanding officer for permission to accept, and it was refused.