Perhaps I have done wrong to try to deceive you, but in good time I will explain everything, and then you will understand me better." "You are no count." "That is true, Mr.Merrick." "You are not even an Italian." "That is but partly true, sir." "You have seen fit to deceive us by--" Tommaso threw wide the door.
"_Il dejune e servito_," he said gruffly.
"What does that mean ?" asked Uncle John.
"Luncheon is ready.

Shall we go down ?" "Yes; I'm hungry." They followed the man to the lower floor, where he ushered them into a low, cool room where a long table was set.

The walls were whitewashed and bore some religious prints, gaudily colored.

A white cloth covered the table, which was well furnished with modern crockery and glass, and antique silverware.
At the head of the table were two throne-like chairs, one slightly larger and more elevated than the other.

In the more important seat was a withered old woman with a face like that of a mummy, except that it was supplied with two small but piercing jet eyes that seemed very much alive as they turned shrewdly upon the strangers.