A little earlier it used to be stipulated that the "meat" was not to be copra, goat's-flesh, which was considered to be food fit only for servants.

But the patriarchal generation were a fine old class in spite of their economy, and they loudly aplauded Giovanni's conduct.
No one, however, understood that the solitude of Saracinesca was really the greatest luxury the newly-married couple could desire.

They wanted to be left alone, and they got their wish.

No one had known of the preparations Giovanni had made for his wife's reception, and had any idea of the changes in the castle reached the ears of the aforesaid patriarchs, they would probably have changed their minds in regard to Giovanni's economy.

The Saracinesca were not ostentatious, but they spent their money royally in their own quiet way, and the interior of the old stronghold had undergone a complete transformation, while the ancient grey stones of the outer walls and towers frowned as gloomily as ever upon the valley.