Continental Monthly - Volume 1 - Issue 3 by Various
page 143 of 313 (45%)
page 143 of 313 (45%)
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invariably presented him to fat, fair, jolly-looking landladies
(_padrone_), with the remark, 'Signora, the Signor is an Englishman and very wealthy,' he began to believe that something was wrong. But Rocjean assured him that it was not--that, as in Paris, it was Madame who attended to renting rooms, so it was the _padrona_ in Rome, and that the remark, 'he is an Englishman, and very wealthy,' were synonymous, and always went together. 'If I were to tell them you were an American it would do just as well--in fact, better, but for one thing, and that is, you would be swindled twice as much. The expression "and very wealthy," attached to the name of an Englishman, is only a delicate piece of flattery, for the majority of the present race of traveling English are by no means lavish in their expenditures or very wealthy. In taking you to see all these pretty women, I have undoubtedly given you pleasure, at the same time I have gratified a little innocent curiosity of mine:--but then the chance is such a good one! We will now visit the Countess ----, for she has a very desirable apartment to let; after which we will proceed seriously to take rooms with a home-ly view.' The Countess ---- was a very lovely woman, consequently Caper was fascinated with the apartment, and told her he would reflect over it. 'Right,' said Rocjean, after they had left; 'better reflect over it than in it--as the enormous draught up chimney would in a short time compel you to.' 'How so?' 'I have a German friend who has rooms there. He tells me that a cord of firewood lasts about long enough to warm one side of him; when he turns to warm the other it is gone. He has lived there three years reflecting |
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