For the first time I felt that kind of happiness which makes forgiveness compulsory upon the being who enjoys it, and causes him to forget all previous unpleasantness.

My grandmother took me to the inn, and dinner was served, but she could hardly eat anything in her astonishment at the voracity with which I was swallowing my food.

In the meantime Doctor Gozzi, to whom she had sent notice of her arrival, came in, and his appearance soon prepossessed her in his favour.

He was then a fine-looking priest, twenty-six years of age, chubby, modest, and respectful.

In less than a quarter of an hour everything was satisfactorily arranged between them.