On my last evening Don Pasquale gave a good account of the sky; he thought I might hopefully set forth on the morrow, and, though I was to leave at eight o'clock, promised to come and see me off.

Very early I looked forth, and the prospect seemed doubtful; I had half a mind to postpone departure.

But about seven came Don Pasquale's servant, sent by his master to inquire whether I should start or not, and, after asking the man's opinion, I decided to take courage.

The sun rose; I saw the streets of Catanzaro brighten in its pale gleams, and the rack above interspaced with blue.
Luckily my carriage-owner was a man of prudence; at the appointed hour he sent a covered vehicle--not the open _carozzella_ in which I should have cheerfully set forth had it depended upon myself.

Don Pasquale, too, though unwilling to perturb me, could not altogether disguise his misgivings.