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The inn had a number of
brigand-like customers consuming such sustenance as garlic and
salami and wine; it received them with an indifference that bordered
on disrespect, until the landlord, who seemed to be something of a
beauty himself, discovered the merits of Amanda. Then he became
markedly attentive. He was a large, fat, curly-headed person with
beautiful eyes, a cherished moustache, and an air of great
gentility, and when he had welcomed his guests and driven off the
slatternly waiting-maid, and given them his best table, and
consented, at Amanda's request, to open a window, he went away and
put on a tie and collar. It was an attention so conspicuous that
even the group of men in the far corner noticed and commented on it,
and then they commented on Amanda and Benham, assuming an ignorance
of Italian in the visitors that was only partly justifiable.
"Bellissima," "bravissima," "signorina," "Inglesa," one need not be
born in Italy to understand such words as these. Also they
addressed sly comments and encouragements to the landlord as he went
to and fro.


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