"The servant will put it on his dressing-table," said Sophonisba. And
she handed the sovereign to the Boots, giving him instructions.

"Keep it yourself, Antonio," I said. Whereupon the man chucked it to
the ceiling with his thumb, caught it as it fell, and with a well-
satisfied air, dropped it into the recesses of his pocket. The air of
the Greenes was also well satisfied, for they felt that they had paid
me in full for all my services.

And now, with many obsequious bows and assurances of deep respect, the
landlord and his family withdrew from the room. "Was there anything
else they could do for Mrs. Greene?" Mrs. Greene was all affability.
She had shown her jewels to the girls, and allowed them to express
their admiration in pretty Italian superlatives. There was nothing
else she wanted to-night. She was very happy and liked Bellaggio.
She would stay yet a week, and would make herself quite happy. And,
though none of them understood a word that the other said, each
understood that things were now rose-coloured, and so with scrapings,
bows, and grinning smiles, the landlord and all his myrmidons
withdrew. Mr. Greene was still counting his money, sovereign by
sovereign, and I was still standing with my folded arms upon my bosom.

"I believe I may now go," said I.

"Good night," said Mrs. Greene.

"Adieu," said Sophonisba.

"I have the pleasure of wishing you good-bye," said Mr. Greene.