must be very curious. As I was saying, I am going to establish
myself in Rome. It seems strange to me to be playing the
gentleman--it must seem even more odd to you."

"It would be truer to say that you have been playing the
innkeeper," observed the prince, courteously. "No one would
suspect it," he added, glancing at his companion's correct attire.

"I have an adaptable nature," said the Marchese, calmly. "Besides,
I have always looked forward to again taking my place in the
world. I have acquired a little instruction--not much, you will
say, but it is sufficient as the times go; and as for education,
it is the same for every one, innkeeper or prince. One takes off
one's hat, one speaks quietly, one says what is agreeable to
hear--is it not enough?"

"Quite enough," replied the prince. He was tempted to smile at his
cousin's definition of manners, though he could see that the man
was quite able to maintain his position. "Quite enough, indeed,
and as for instruction, I am afraid most of us have forgotten our
Latin. You need have no anxiety on that score. But, tell me, how
comes it that, having been bred in the south, you prefer to
establish yourself in Rome rather than in Naples? They say that
you Neapolitans do not like us."

"I am a Roman by descent, and I wish to become one in fact,"
returned the Marchese. "Besides," he added, in a peculiarly grave
tone of voice, "I do not like the new order of things. Indeed, I
have but one favour to ask of you, and that is a great one."