We were to have stopped at Genoa, but he hurried us on. The same
thing at Florence. Here, at Rome, my lady insists on resting.
Her brother has met us at this place. There has been a quarrel already
(the lady's maid tells me) between my lord and the Baron. The latter
wanted to borrow money of the former. His lordship refused in language
which offended Baron Rivar. My lady pacified them, and made them
shake hands.'
The third, and last letter, was from Venice.
'More of my lord's economy! Instead of staying at the hotel,
we have hired a damp, mouldy, rambling old palace. My lady insists
on having the best suites of rooms wherever we go--and the palace
comes cheaper for a two months' term. My lord tried to get it
for longer; he says the quiet of Venice is good for his nerves.
But a foreign speculator has secured the palace, and is going to turn
it into an hotel. The Baron is still with us, and there have been
more disagreements about money matters. I don't like the Baron--
and I don't find the attractions of my lady grow on me. She was much
nicer before the Baron joined us.
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