Chapter 23

dress, coming up to him_.

_Stephen_. Whose castle's that upon the hill, good fellow?

_Waggoner_. Its present owner's of the Uglii; They call him Lorenzino.

_Stephen_. Whose is that Down in the valley?

_Waggoner_. That is Count Lamballa's.

_Stephen_. What is his Christian name?

_Waggoner_. Omfredo. No, That was his father's; his is Julian.

_Stephen_. Is he at home?

_Waggoner_. No, not for many a day. His steward, honest man, I know is doubtful Whether he be alive; and yet his land Is better farmed than any in the country.

_Stephen_. He is not married, then?

_Waggoner_. No. There's a gossip Amongst the women--but who would heed their talk!-- That love half-crazed, then drove him out of doors, To wander here and there, like a bad ghost, Because a silly wench refused him:--fudge!

_Stephen_. Most probably. I quite agree with you. Where do you stop?

_Waggoner_. At the first inn we come to; You'll see it from the bottom of the hill. There is a better at the other end, But here the stabling is by far the best.

_Stephen_. I must push on. Four legs can never go Down-hill so fast as two. Good morning, friend.

_Waggoner_. Good morning, sir.

_Stephen (aside_) I take the further house.