d just
been vacated by a Russian princess. "I guess you better cable to
your folks where you ah', Clementina," she said. "Because if you're
satisfied, I am, and I presume we sha'n't want to change as long as we
stay in Florence. My, but it's sightly!" She joined Clementina a moment
at the windows looking upon the Arno, and the hills beyond it. "I guess
you'll spend most of your time settin' at this winder, and I sha'n't
blame you."

They had arrived late in the dull, soft winter afternoon. The landlord
led the way himself to their apartment, and asked if they would have
fire; a facchino came in and kindled roaring blazes on the hearths;
at the same time a servant lighted all the candles on the tables and
mantels. They both gracefully accepted the fees that Mrs. Lander made
Clementina give them; the facchino kissed the girl's hand. "My!" said
Mrs. Lander, "I guess you never had your hand kissed before."

The hotel developed advantages which, if not those she was used to, were
still advantages. The halls were warmed by a furnace, and she came to
like the little logs burning in her rooms. In the care of her own fire,
she went back to the simple time of her life in the country, and chose
to kindle it herself when it died out, with the fagots of broom that
blazed up so briskly.

In the first days of her stay she made inquiry for the best American
doctor in Florence; and she found him so intelligent that she at once
put her liver in his charge, with a history of her diseases and symptoms
of every kind. She told him that she was sure that he could have
cured Mr. Lander, if he had only had him in time; she exacted a new
prescription from him for herself, and made him order some quinine pills
for Clementina against the event of her feeling debilitated by the air
of Florence.

XX.

In these first days a letter came to Clementina from Mrs. Lander's
banker, enclosing the introduction which Mrs. Milray had promised to
her sister-in-law. It was from Mr. Milray, as before, and it was in
Mrs. Milray's handwriting; but no message from her came with it. To
Clementina it explained itself, but she had to explain it to Mrs.
Lander. She had to tell her of Mrs. Milray's behavior after the
entertainment on the steamer, and Mrs. Lander said that Clementina had
done just exactly right; and they both decided, against some impulses
of curiosity in Clementina's heart, that she should not make use of the
introduction.

The 'Hotel des