Their natures were not sanguine.

A result, doubtless, of the unhealthy climate, every one at Cotrone seemed in a more or less gloomy state of mind.

The hostess went about uttering ceaseless moans and groans; when she was in my room I heard her constantly sighing, "Ah, Signore! Ah, Cristo!"-- exclamations which, perhaps, had some reference to my illness, but which did not cease when I recovered.

Whether she had any private reason for depression I could not learn; I fancy not; it was only the whimpering and querulous habit due to low health.

A female servant, who occasionally brought me food (I found that she also cooked it), bore herself in much the same way.