But I should very much like to know what objection that Englishman could have to the marriage.

Are there any corporals in England ?" After a somewhat lengthy ride, spent in talking in this fashion, the brother and sister reached a little village, not far from Bocognano, where they halted to dine and sleep at a friend's house.

They were welcomed with a hospitality which must be experienced before it can be appreciated.

The next morning, their host, who had stood godfather to a child to whom Madame della Rebbia had been godmother, accompanied them a league beyond his house.
"Do you see those woods and thickets ?" said he to Orso, just as they were parting.

"A man who had met with a misfortune might live there peacefully for ten years, and no gendarme or soldier would ever come to look for him.