He thought: "Oh, Virgin! it's dark enough to make one believe in every single thing they tell us about the saints." Up in the light of day Luigi had a turn for careless thinking on these holy subjects.
Barto Rizzo stood before him in a square of cellarage that was furnished with implements of his craft, too dark for a clear discernment of features.
"So, here you are!" was the greeting Luigi received.
It was a tremendous voice, that seemed to issue from a vast cavity.
"Lead the gentleman to my sitting-room," said Barto.

Luigi felt the wind of a handkerchief, and guessed that his eyes were about to be bandaged by the woman behind him.

He petitioned to be spared it, on the plea, firstly, that it expressed want of confidence; secondly, that it took him in the stomach.

The handkerchief was tight across his eyes while he was speaking.

His hand was touched by the woman, and he commenced timidly an ascent of stairs.