I am sure he would not refuse to see me." Insolent servants in a great house are generally a sure symptom of something amiss in the moral nature of their masters.

Good and kindly masters have and make civil and kindly servants; and the big porter of the palazzo Castelmare was accordingly by no means a terrible personage.
"Signora Orsola Steno! To be sure.

I remember you very well, Signora, when you called on the padrone last summer.

I am sure the Signor Marchesino would have pleasure in seeing you, if he were at home.

But he is not here.