Acquasparta

The latter expressed the opinion that it was nowise dangerous, however much it might be irksome, whereupon the Count invited him to bind it up.

To this Fra Domenico replied that he had neither unguents nor linen, but Fanfulla suggested that he might get these things from the convent of Acquasparta hard by, and proffered to accompany him thither.

This being determined, they departed, leaving the Count in the company of the jester.

Francesco spread his cloak and lay down again, whilst the fool, craving his permission to remain, disposed himself upon his haunches like a Turk.

"Who is this, Pepe?" she asked the fool, and he, mindful of the oath he had sworn, answered her brazenly that he did not know, adding that it was, as she might see, some poor wounded fellow.

"Wounded?" she echoed, and her glorious eyes grew very pitiful.

"And alone." "There was a gentleman here tending him, Madonna, but he has gone with Fra Domenico to the convent of Acquasparta to seek the necessaries to mend his shoulder." "Poor gentleman," she murmured, approaching the fallen figure.

"How came he by his hurt?" "That, Madonna, is more than I can tell." "Can we do nothing for him until his friends return?" was her next question, bending over the Count as she spoke.