At all events, she will take her tongue with her, and ruin herself at her convenience without ruining me.

I wonder what life would be without Mariuccia?
Would anybody darn my stockings, or save the peel of the mandarins to make cordial?
I certainly would not have the mandarins if she were gone--it is a luxury.

No, I would not have them.

But then, there would be no cordial, and I should have to buy new stockings every year or two.

No, the mandarins cost less than the stockings--and--well, I suppose I am fond of Mariuccia..