Part 62 (1/2)

_Frate._ Not I indeed.

_a.s.sunta._ Allow me then?

_Frate._ No, nor you.

_a.s.sunta._ Then let me stand upon yours, to push down the points.

... Frate Biagio now began to relent a little, when a.s.sunta, who had made one step toward the project, bethought herself suddenly, and said:

'No; I might miss my footing. But, mercy upon us! what made you cramp your Reverence with those ox-yoke shoes? and strangle your Reverence with that hangdog collar?'

'If you must know,' answered the Frate, reddening, 'it was because I am making a visit to the Canonico of Parma. I should like to know something about him: perhaps you could tell me?'

_a.s.sunta._ Ever so much.

_Frate._ I thought no less: indeed I knew it. Which goes to bed first?

_a.s.sunta._ Both together.

_Frate._ Demonio! what dost mean?

_a.s.sunta._ He tells me never to sit up waiting, but to say my prayers and dream of the Virgin.

_Frate._ As if it was any business of his! Does he put out his lamp himself?

_a.s.sunta._ To be sure he does: why should not he? what should he be afraid of? It is not winter: and beside, there is a mat upon the floor, all round the bed, excepting the top and bottom.

_Frate._ I am quite convinced he never said anything to make you blush. Why are you silent?

_a.s.sunta._ I have a right.

_Frate._ He did then? ay? Do not nod your head: that will never do.

Discreet girls speak plainly.

_a.s.sunta._ What would you have?

_Frate._ The truth; the truth; again, I say, the truth.

_a.s.sunta._ He _did_ then.

_Frate._ I knew it! The most dangerous man living!

_a.s.sunta._ Ah! indeed he is! Signor Padrone said so.

_Frate._ He knows him of old: he warned you, it seems.

_a.s.sunta._ Me! He never said it was I who was in danger.

_Frate._ He might: it was his duty.