Page:Life in the Old World - Vol. II.djvu/333

Rh fig-trees and blocks of lava. Many of the inhabitants of Naples, as well as foreigners, come hither during the summer months, to enjoy the air and the bathing, partly of the warm baths, which the volcanic soil still produces, and partly in the sea. The king of Naples is also expected here this summer.

Our little traveling trio has been located a week at Casa Pisani, where each one of us has their own apartment, opening upon the piazza with a general dining and drawing room. I have besides a separate little piazza looking to the sea, shaded by clematis, and where green lizards are my silent companions; and this solitude is indispensable to me, as I wish now to copy out and put the last touches to my last work.

As regards my young traveling companions, it so happens that in their ramblings on the volcanic island, amongst blocks of lava, groves of orange and fig-trees, cacti, &c., that they have fallen most earnestly in love with each other, and I am now the confidante of their feelings and plans for the future, which naturally tend to matrimony. I give the wisest advice I am able, and especially recommend that they should take time to be better acquainted with each other. The young lady has won both my esteem and love, and her peace and happiness lie very near my heart. In the mean time, it is a pleasure to me to witness this beautiful affection which is not based merely on fascination, but on pure earnest regard.

The weather is glorious, but begins to be very warm. The evenings and nights are the most beautiful portions of the twenty-four hours. We spend them on the piazza in conversation, and also a little