The bark is none of the worst for speed, and it has some reputation for beauty.

It ought to be of happy fortune, too, for the good curato recommended it, with many a devout prayer, to the Virgin and to San Francesco." The noble appeared to lend more attention to the discourse, which, until now, on his part, had been commenced in the listless manner with which a superior encourages an indulged dependant.
"La Bella Sorrentina! Have I not reason to know the bark ?" "Nothing more true, Signore.

Her padrone has relations at Sant' Agata, as I have told your eccellenza, and his vessel has lain on the beach near the castle many a bleak winter." "What brings him to Venice ?" "That is what I would give my newest jacket of your eccellenza's colors to know, Signore.

I have as little wish to inquire into other people's affairs as any one, and I very well know that discretion is the chief virtue of a gondolier.

I ventured, however, a deadly hint concerning his errand, such as ancient neighborhood would warrant, but he was as cautious of his answers as if he were freighted with the confessions of fifty Christians.