Page:O Genteel Lady! (1926).pdf/187

 By sunset the Diana was in her place, one of hundreds of fine ships whose bowsprits lay upon the stone wharf as a dog would lay its nose upon the hearth.

'In the morning, Captain, I shall go to the post office to see if there is a letter.'

'Nay, better than that. This lad says he has a message for you.'

She looked down and behind the bulk of the captain was a hunchbacked dwarf. The creature seemed more ape than man. He stood in humility as if waiting until the first unfavorable impression should wear off. She felt she had seen him before, and then realized it was on the cover of the English 'Punch.' He wore old-fashioned livery and a little cape over his deformity. His expression was sweet and intelligent.

'You have a letter for the lady?'

'Si, Signor,' he said in a big man's voice, and then, bowing low, presented a sealed and folded blue sheet.

This is my servant, Gian, who is as good as he is ugly. He understands English, although he will not talk it. Let him help you on your way to Florence, for you will find little else to help except the saints, who in emergencies are always sleeping or hunting. I am, Sincerely