And by its light the place wore a more loathsome look than it had done last night, so that at the very sight of it I leapt from my couch and grew eager to be gone.

I set a ducat on the table, and going to the door I called my hostess.

The stairs creaked presently 'neath her portentous weight, and, panting slightly, she stood before me.
At sight of me, for I was without my cloak, and my motley was revealed in the cold, morning light, she cried out in amazement first, and then in rage--deeming me one of those parasites who tramp the world in the garb of folly, seeking here a dinner, there a bed, in exchange for some scurvy tumbling or some witless jests.
"Ossa di Cristo!" was her cry.

"Have I housed a Fool ?" "If I am the first you have housed, your tumbling ruin of a tavern has been a singularly choice resort.

Woman--" "Would you 'woman' me ?" she stormed.
"Why, no," said I politely.