Thus they went on for several days. Don Lewis never failed to be among the workmen every evening, that his presence might excite them to despatch their work, and he always remarked that Ambrosio was the most indefatigable among them. He took a particular fancy for him on this account; and thinking that he would make a good servant, he inquired of the master-mason where he had procured so good a labourer. “One of the artisans of the city brought him to me,” answered he, “and I have every reason to be well satisfied with him.” With so good a recommendation the Marquis took Ambrosio aside, to whom he had never yet spoken, and asked him of what country he was. Our labourer made answer, in the most clownish manner he could possibly affect, that he was born at Arragon; and went on, fully confirming what Orviedo had before related to the master-mason. Don Lewis found his story very plausible, and it even seemed to him that he had the accent of that country. “Who was your master at Granada,” continued he, “and in what were you particularly employed?” “My Lord,” said Ambrosio, “I was servant to a great merchant, who had a very fine garden, and I had the care of his flowers.” “You know then how to cultivate a flower-garden!” cried the Marquis. “I am delighted; for I am just in want of a man to pay attention to mine, which I take great pride in. I have been wishing for one for these three months past, as my present gardener will not undertake the entire care of it; if, therefore, you are willing to serve me, I will pay you good wages, and shall not be disregardful of your future fortune, provided you continue faithful, and perform your duty punctually.” At these words, our pretended labourer expressed more by his outward behaviour than by words, that he was most grateful for Don Lewis’s kindness, which he would endeavour to deserve by his future exertions. The agreement was soon made; Don Lewis desired him to lay by his apron, take leave of his present master, and to wait upon him the next day, when he should be provided with every thing necessary for the cultivation of his flower garden. Ozmin was now no longer, therefore, a mason, but a gardener to the Marquis de Padilla, who, on his arrival next day, began by prescribing to him the line of conduct which he was to observe, if he hoped to be retained for any length of time in his family. He desired him to entertain the greatest respect for the ladies, and to avoid any sort of intercourse with the female servants. He dwelt particularly on this point, because, in spite of his affected clownish looks, he thought him of a handsome person.