To tell the truth I find that I am fonder of Valedolmo than I had supposed.

There is something satisfying about the peace and tranquillity of the place--one doesn't realize it till the moment of parting comes.

Do you think I can obtain a room for a--well, an indefinite period ?' Gustavo saw a dazzling vista of silver lire stretching into the future.
With an all-inclusive gesture he placed the house, the lake, the surrounding mountains, at the disposal of the American.
'You shall have what you wish, signore.

At dis season ze Hotel du Lac----' 'Is not crowded, and there are half a hundred rooms at my disposal?
Very well, I will keep the one I have, which commands a very attractive view of a rose-coloured villa set in a grove of cypress trees.' The others had waited in a state of suspension, dumbfounded at what was going on.

But as soon as the young man dipped into his pocket and fished out a handful of silver, they broke into smiles; this at least was intelligible.