The Project Gutenberg EBook of Olive in Italy, by Moray Dalton

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Title: Olive in Italy

Author: Moray Dalton

Release Date: July 25, 2009 [EBook #29512]

Language: English

Character set encoding: ASCII

*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OLIVE IN ITALY ***

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OLIVE ...
IN ITALY

BY MORAY DALTON

[Illustration]

London
T. FISHER UNWIN
MCMIX

[_All Rights Reserved_]

"For in the hand of the Lord there is a cup, and the
wine is red; it is full mixed, and He poureth out of the
same. As for the dregs thereof: all the ungodly of the
earth shall drink them...."

CONTENTS

BOOK I. PAGE

SIENA 17

BOOK II.

FLORENCE 115

BOOK III.

ROME 213

OLIVE IN ITALY

BOOK I.--SIENA

CHAPTER I

"I believe that Olive Agar is going to tell you that she can't pay her
bill," said the landlady's daughter as she set the breakfast tray down
on the kitchen table.

"Good gracious, Gwen, how you do startle one! Why?"

"She began again about the toast, and I told her straight that you
always set yourself against any unnecessary cooking. Meat and
vegetables must be done, I said, but those who can't relish bread as
it comes from the baker's, and plain boiled potatoes, can go without,
I said. Then she says, of course I must do as my mother tells me, and
would I ask you to step up and see her presently."

"Perhaps you were a bit too sharp with her."

The girl sniffed resentfully. "Good riddance if she goes," she called
after her mother.

Mrs Simons knocked perfunctorily at the dining-room door.

A young voice bade her come in. "I wanted to tell you that I heard
from my cousins in Italy this morning. I am going to stay with them
for a little, so I shall be leaving you at the end of the week."

The landlady's cold stare was disconcerting. There was a distinct note
of disapproval in her voice as she answered, "I do not know much about
Italy.