human
Oh, it's all dilapidated, forlorn--
gpt
Spare your adjectives, responded the other man.
human
They're pure hypocrisy. You needn't pretend you don't like it!
gpt
Of course I don't pretend. Haven't I lived here for nearly twenty years because I do like it? That tells the story.
human
Though my occupation at home is the making of boiler-plate, Gray continued, pursuing the current of his own thoughts,
gpt
It's probable that I take it in more than you do,
human
Oh yes, of course; new-comers always think so. They think that we don't comprehend either the country or the people because we take them calmly. They believe that they themselves show far more discrimination in only coming now and then. For in that way they preserve their power of appreciating; they don't grow dull-eyed and stupid as we do.
gpt
Exactly. That's just what I think, answered Gray.
human
What do you suppose those stairs were for?
gpt
Probably they led to a small out-door pulpit which has fallen down. The whole top of this hill was covered by a monastery--a fortified place, I believe, with four towers. Only one of the towers remains, and nothing above ground of all the other buildings but that piece of high wall; I dare say there are plenty of substructures and vaults below. But though the monastery has gone, this old garden of the monks remains very much as it was, I fancy.
human
lifted the tray, four kittens rushed from the house, gambolling and tumbling over each other; they all made their way to her feet, round which they curled themselves so that she walked in a tangle of cats. She returned towards the house with her tray, laughing, and careful not to step on them. The dog waited a moment with dignity.
gpt
Here, Hannibal! Here!
human
He is supposed to be my property. But he spends his life in the kitchen,
gpt
That girl of yours has a passion for animals; one might rather call it compassion, perhaps, for I have even seen her petting that preternaturally ill-tempered and hideous donkey who turns your water-wheel, remarked Gray.
human
It seems to extend in all directions, for she runs out to help the old milkman up the hill with his cans, and she gives tidbits to that idiot boy who haunts the main road.
gpt
That isn't half. She feeds regularly two children who live a little below here, on the way down to the valley. Partly she robs me to do it, after the easy Italian fashion; but she also robs herself--I have had proof of that. She almost always has some forlorn object, varying anywhere from a lame chicken to a blind man, stowed away in a corner of the court or the kitchen, where she can see to and comfort it. And every Friday, when the regular beggars of Tre Ponti--the authorized humbugs--make the round of the villas and poderes on this side of the valley, invariably she has saved something for each one of them.
human
She is extraordinarily handsome. With her full throat, her large, soft eyes, and that classic head and hair, she looks like a Madonna of one of the old painters. I have never seen a more kindly and beautiful smile.
gpt
It's well enough. But the great thing is that she is perfect as a servant. What she has to do is done without a fault.
human
And she is so placid and sweet-tempered, too, as well as skilful, Gray went on.
gpt
She's a regular marvel!
human
She's a regular Tuscan!
gpt
Didn't I tell you that you don't half appreciate the beautiful natures of these people? As to this particular girl--come back to America, and see what we have to put up with! A waitress like that, over there, would be worth her weight in silver--if not gold.
human
A what?
gpt
A waitress; that's what we call 'em now; we've given up 'help.' Is she married to your cook?
human
Oh no; Peppino is nearly sixty. She is only twenty-five, though she looks thirty. She is a widow, and she is thinking of taking another husband before long. Have you noticed a young fellow working in the vineyard just under your windows?
gpt
I have noticed some one loafing there.
human
That's the man.
gpt
Poor good-natured woman--he has imposed upon her; she will have to earn his living as well as her own. As it happens, I have watched him, and a lazier creature I never saw; he looks at the vines occasionally, and he calls down jokes to the other men below; that is the extent of his exertions. Come out for a walk.
human
I don't walk after dinner.
gpt
Come at least as far as the tower.