‘I thought you would be at the office,’ said Minna gently at last, going up to him and taking his hand. ‘So did I,’ he replied drearily. ‘And to-day, of all days in the year, the poor distraction of my daily drudgery has been taken away from me. Imagine, signora. When I arrived at the office this morning, the porter met me with the announcement that we, the clerks, all had a holiday without any abatement of our week’s salary.’ He laughed. ‘And for what reason, do you suppose? Because the eldest son of the head of the firm is to be married this morning, and is so elated at his good fortune that he last night got his father to consent to this arrangement, and each of us, as we arrived, received the news. Another wedding,’ pursued Signor Giuseppe with melancholy bitterness. ‘I suppose the porter thought me mad, for, instead of smiling and expressing my delight at the event, I begged to be allowed to go in and proceed with my work. “God forbid!” cried the fellow. “Do you suppose I am going to waste my precious hours of freedom because you are fool enough to wish to work when there is no need of it?” He flourished his keys, and I came to my senses enough to assure him that it had only been a joke on my part. I turned away, and after wandering about for half an hour, I could bear it no longer, but came here. I knew you would not refuse me a corner till the day is over, even----’ ‘Surely,’ said she, ever more and more gently. ‘I am thankful you had confidence enough in me to come here. In a few minutes the carriage will come which will take me out of Rome for the day. You will come with me. We will both escape.’ ‘Go away,’ he said unwillingly. ‘I had not thought of that.’ ‘But I think of it. It will be much the best for us both. I am going to Villa Adriana, outside Tivoli. You are just the companion I should wish at that place; so it is agreed.’ ‘To Villa Adriana,’ he responded, with something like a smile. ‘Ah, what a happy afternoon I once spent there with the child and one of her young companions! That is years ago. I will go with you, signora.’ ‘Yes, of course,’ said Minna, speaking much more cheerfully than she felt. She was glad to have gained her end, and had a hope that when they had once set off, and he was within sight of the endless remnants of the former glory of his beloved city, he might cast off some of his present wretchedness, and begin to be interested in the things he had studied so deeply.