She took none herself; indeed, she had just time to put her
bags in order again when the train slowed into Amiens station; and she,
bidding her bewildered and bewitched companion a most courteous
farewell, got out and departed.
Calabressa himself soon fell asleep, and did not wake until they were
near Paris. By this time the bundle of rugs in the corner had begun to
show signs of animation.
"Well, friend Reitzei you have had a good sleep," said Calabressa,
yawning, and stretching his arms.
"I have slept a little."
"You have slept all night--what more? What do you know, for example, of
the young lady who was in the carriage?"
"I saw her come in," Reitzei said, indifferently, "and I heard you
talking once or twice. What was she?"
"There you ask me a pretty question. My belief is that she was either
one of those Nihilist madwomen, or else the devil himself in a new
shape. At any rate, she had some good cognac."
"I should like some coffee now, Signor Calabressa; and you?"
"I would not refuse it."
Indeed, during all this journey to Naples, Calabressa and his companion
talked much more of the commonplace incidents and wants of travel than
of the graver matters that lay before them.
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