But they are not really Italians, any more than the Shah of Persia." The maestro smiled a pitying smile.

He is a Roman of Rome, and his great nose scorns pretenders.

In his view Piedmontese, Tuscans, and Neapolitans are as much foreigners as the Germans or the English.

More so, for he likes the Germans and tolerates the English, but he can call an enemy by no worse name than "Napoletano" or "Piemontese." "Then they live here ?" cried Nino in delight.
"Surely." "In fine, maestro mio, who are they ?" "What a diavolo of a boy! Dio mio!" and Ercole laughed under his big moustache, which is black still.

But he is bald, all the same, and wears a skull-cap.
"Diavolo as much as you please, but I will know," said Nino sullenly.
"Oh bene! Now do not disquiet yourself, Nino--I will tell you all about them.