I had never been there, and wondered what kind of a habitation the count had found; for I knew it must be the roughest sort of mountain town, with some dilapidated castle or other overhanging it.

But the count was rich, and he had doubtless made himself very comfortable.

I sat in silence while Gigi finished his wine and chatted about his affairs between the whiffs of his pipe.
"Gigi," I said at last, "I want to buy a donkey." "Eh, your excellency can be accommodated: and a saddle, too, if you wish." "I think I could ride without a saddle," I said, for I thought it a needless piece of extravagance.
"Madonna mia!" he cried.

"The Signor Conte ride bareback on a donkey! They would laugh at you.

But my brother-in-law can sell you a beast this very day, and for a mere song." "Let us go and see the beast," I said.