“Excellency, no! I said I would _try_ to find him employment. I have done so. Capperi! I have asked an infinite number of persons--always the same answer. In Rome there is not work enough for the Romans, nor bread to spare. The Sicilians must go back to Sicily, or,” he waved his hand vaguely towards Ostia, “over there.” Over there meant to America. “Where were you born, Ignazio?” I interrupted. “You do not speak like a Romano di Roma.” His glance was a reproach; I had betrayed him. “It is true, I am from Siena--but there is a difference between an Umbrian and a Sicilian!” “It is always the same story!” I said. “I have asked every plumber in Rome to employ Francesco Calabresi. They will give money, bread, clothes; to a man they refuse him work.” “Self preservation! Oh, how worldly-wise the old race is! The man’s right though; there is not work enough to go round; one must consider one’s own interests or we should all go bankrupt. That’s what ‘mind your business’ means! If you don’t look out for yourself, some one else must.” J. came up on the terrace at that moment; Vera waved her little hand gaily to him. “What news from Messina?” “No news; I wish I knew how they are getting on.” “I have a letter from the Avvocato Bonanno, asking about the family of Count Q.” “I have just come from there. I will write him. The Count can speak now, but he’s paralyzed, he will never walk again.” “You’re fretting to get back to Sicily; so am I.” It was true; since his return from the cruise of the “Bayern,” Rome, even his studio, seemed tame to J. How could he, and Vera too, long to go back to that place of death, when Rome, the Eternal City, wooed with the voice of her fountains, the perfumed breath of her villas, the beauty of her everlasting hills? “I have had an inspiration,” Vera made the pretty insistent gesture of her finger that rules us all. “This is the psychological moment to exhibit your Diana. Rome is sick with grief! There’s nothing going on, not a reception, not even a dinner. Any invitation to do anything, besides give money and sew garments _pro Calabria e Sicilia_, will be a godsend. That’s the practical side of it; then there’s the other side. We have supped full on horrors; comfort us with a sight of the lovely lady.” Most of her friends follow Vera’s advice, for her’s is a master spirit; when she takes hold of one’s affairs, somehow they always march.