‘I will be frank,’ said Baroni, looking at Sidonia very earnestly, and laying down his clarionet. ‘I conclude from what you said last night, and the interest that you take in the children, that you are something in our way, though on a great scale. I apprehend you are looking out for novelties for the next season, and sometimes in the provinces things are to be found. If you will take us to London or Paris, I will consent to receive no remuneration if the venture fail; all I shall then require will be a decent maintenance, which you can calculate beforehand: if the speculation answer, I will not demand more than a third of the profits, leaving it to your own liberality to make me any regalo in addition, that you think proper.’ ‘A very fair proposal,’ said Sidonia. ‘Is it a bargain?’ ‘I must think over it,’ said Sidonia. ‘Well; God prosper your thoughts, for, from what I see of you, you are a man I should be proud to work with.’ ‘Well, we may yet be comrades.’ The children appeared at the door of the house, and, not to disturb their father, vaulted down. They saluted Sidonia with much respect, and then withdrew to some distance. The mother appeared at the door, and, leaning down, whispered something to Baroni, who, after a little hesitation, said to Sidonia, ‘The grandmother is awake; she has a wish to thank you for your kindness to the children. It will not trouble you; merely a word; but women have their fancies, and we like always to gratify her, because she is much alone and never complains.’ ‘By all means,’ said Sidonia. Whereupon they ushered forward a venerable woman with a true Italian face; hair white as snow, and eyes still glittering with fire, with features like a Roman bust, and an olive complexion. Sidonia addressed her in Italian, which greatly pleased her. She was profuse, even solemn, in her thanks to him; she added, she was sure, from all that she had heard of him, if he took the children with him, he would be kind to them. ‘She has overheard something I said to my wife,’ said Baroni, a little embarrassed. ‘I am sure I should be kind to them,’ said Sidonia, ‘for many reasons, and particularly for one;’ and he whispered something in Baroni’s ear. Baroni started from his seat with a glowing cheek, but Sidonia, looking at his watch and promising to attend their evening performance, bade them adieu. III.