So, seeing a soldier pass up the street, I saluted him and asked him whether he knew a lodging-house or private boarding establishment in the street?
No, the soldier said, he did not know any at all in that street, or, indeed, in that part of the town; but if I would go with him, he would direct me to a splendid place, marvellously convenient, marvellously clean, and marvellously cheap, and, best of all, kept by his mother's sister.
I cannot say I felt either elated or depressed by this answer.

Evidently this was a keen youth, trying to get a suitable customer for his relations.
Another youth came up to me soon after, offering to sell me photographs of some of the principal sights in Turin.

Could he tell me of any boarding or lodging establishment in the street?
Yes, he knew of three or four.

For a franc he would give me their history and lead me to them.
Was there one about the middle of the street?
Yes, there were two close together.

Should he take me?
I closed with the youth's offer, and accordingly we walked down the street together.