The question was accompanied by a roguish, arch glance and was answered in the affirmative, with a glance varnished with lacquer, “What you serve to me can be nothing but delicious.” “No; that surely is a thimble! Did the people of those days have needles?” “It almost seems so, but you could not have done anything with that, my darling, it would be much too large even for your thumb.” “Do you really think that? And do you like slender fingers better than broad ones?” “Yours I do not need to see; by touch I could discover them, in the deepest darkness, among all the others in the world.” “That is really awfully interesting. Do we still really have to go to Pompeii also?” “No, that will hardly pay; there are only old stones and rubbish there; whatever was of value, _Baedeker_ says, was brought here. I fear the sun there would be too hot for your delicate complexion, and I could never forgive myself that.” “What if you should suddenly have a negress for a wife?” “No, my imagination fortunately does not reach that far, but a freckle on your little nose would make me unhappy. I think, if it is agreeable to you, we’ll go to Capri to-morrow, my dear. There everything is said to be very comfortable, and in the wonderful light of the Blue Grotto I shall first realize completely what a great prize I have drawn in the lottery of happiness.” “You—if any one hears that, I shall be almost ashamed. But wherever you take me, it is agreeable to me, and makes no difference, for I have you with me.”