“Then,” returned Messer Gherardo, “I am the man who found the bracelet; but I will never restore it, except it be to the lady lirrsclf. Now I beg you will not attribute this to any suspicion, or any improper motive; only it will be far preferable, on the lady`s account, I hat I should return it to her without other witnesses. If you will be so good as to point out her abode to me, you may rely upon it that I will go forthwith, like a good subject of the Catholic Church, and return it lo the owner; otherwise you must excuse me. I shall keep the bracelet, tmd without the slightest scruples of conscience.”
Holy fear of Heaven
The curate replied, “To any person who should restore such an ornament I have received orders to give three sequins, that he might treat himself to a good dram; but as to you, signor, you are perhaps not in want of one.” “Signor,” retorted Messer Gherardo, “I would not return it for a hundred sequins; but if I may restore it into the lady`s own hands, I will require nothing.” “My son,” replied the curate, “I would recommend to you to entertain a little more reverence and holy fear of Heaven. Surely you would not keep what is not yours; but as you seem resolved to restore it only to the lady, so be it.
I will call my clerk, since you are so very obstinate, and he shall point out to you her dwelling.” So, after accompanying him a little way, the little fat clerk said, “That is it, signor,” pointing to a very handsome-looking and spacious house; and upon gaining admission he was shown up a magnificent staircase into a large saloon, the walls all covered with silk linings, the sight of which made the mercer`s heart glow; and such was his confusion at the idea of his temerity in entering, that he could scarcely ascertain the quality of the silk. At first he thought of making his escape, imagining that he had committed some gross blunder, and might be running his head into a great scrape.
While doubtful in what way to act, but gradually edging out, a maidservant advanced from the staircase, crying, “Who is it? Pray who are you and what do you want?” Half struck dumb, with his hat held politely in his hand, Messer Gherardo replied, “I wish to see the lady of the house, and,’if perfectly convenient to her ladyship, to be permitted to speak with her”; and this he said in his usual style when waiting on the great to receive commissions. “Madam,” cried the girl, calling to her mistress in an adjacent apartment, “it is a gentleman who wishes to speak to you about some business.”
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