On the morrow morning, the houre of nine being come, when _Zeppa_ and _Spinelloccio_ were walking abroad together, _Spinelloccio_ remembring his promise unto his Mistresse, and the clocke telling him the appointed houre, hee saide to _Zeppa_. I am to dine this day with an especiall friend of mine, who I would be loath should tarry for my comming; and therefore holde my departure excused. How now? answered _Zeppa_, the time for dinner is yet farre enough off, wherefore then should we part so soone? Yea but _Zeppa_, replied _Spinelloccio_, wee have weighty matters to confer on before dinner, which will require three houres space at the least, and therefore it behoveth me to respect due time. _Spinelloccio_ being departed from Zeppa (who followed faire and softly after him) being come to the house, and kindly welcommed by the wife: they were no sooner gone up the staires, and entering in at the Chamber doore; but the Woman heard her Husband cough, and also his comming up the staires. Alas deare _Spinelloccio_ (quoth she) what shall we do? My Husband is comming uppe, and we shall be both taken tardie, step into this Chest, lye downe there and stirre not, till I have sent him forth againe, which shall be within a very short while. _Spinelloccio_ was not a little joyfull for her good advice; downe in the Chest lay he, and she lockt him in: by which time _Zeppa_ was entred the Chamber. Where are you Wife? said he, (speaking so loud, as hee in the Chest might heare him) What, is it time to go to dinner? It will be anon Sir, answered she, as yet it is overearly; but seeing you are come, the more hast shall be made, and every thing will be ready quickly. _Zeppa_, sitting downe upon the Chest, wherein _Spinelloccio_ lay not a little affrighted, speaking still aloud, as formerly he did: Come hither Wife (quoth he) how shall we do for some good companie to dine with us? Mine honest kinde neighbour _Spinelloccio_ is not at home, because he dineth forth to day with a deare friend of his, by which meanes, his wife is left at home alone: give her a call out at our Window, and desire her to come dine with us: for we two can make no merry Musicke, except some more come to fill up the consort. His Wife being very timorous, yet diligent to doe whatsoever he commanded, so prevailed with the Wife of _Spinelloccio_: that she came to them quickely, and so much the rather, because her Husband dined abroad. Shee being come up into the Chamber, _Zeppa_ gave her most kinde entertainment, taking her gently by the hand, and winking on his Wife, that she should betake her selfe to the kitchin, to see dinner speedily prepared, while he sat conversing with his neighbour in the Chamber.