more inexplicable, while it perfectly explains my willingness to serve
you; and since you have added condescension to charity I am the more
sincerely grateful. As you will now wish to be rid of me, I can assure
you that I am strong enough to stand alone. I believe that I shall make
my way in the world by honest courses in the future; but I shall never
cease to bless your name."

"Belviso," I said, "as to leaving me, that is your affair, for I tell
you that the separation will never spring from me. We have been brothers
in misery, and may be no less so in good fortune. At any rate, I shall
not leave you to this life of a beast. Come with me to Arezzo, and after
that to Florence. Then we will talk of all our businesses, and hear what
Virginia has to say."

He looked serious. "Ah," he said, "I know beforehand what your Virginia
will say. She will say as I do. I will follow you to the gates of Heaven
or Hell, Don Francis, but only in one capacity!"

I said, "There is only one possible capacity."

"I know that very well," replied the boy. "We agree to that point, but
differ beyond it."

"What do you mean?" I asked him, puzzled.

He was very serious, and said, "Don Francis, if I go with you from this
place, I go as your servant, and in no other fashion." To that I said,
"Never," and invoked the aid of Heaven. Shrugging, he turned away,
saying, "As you will. Then it is farewell, padrone."