We drew
nearer and nearer. The news of my approach had got abroad, and there was
a great crowd collected on either side the road, who greeted me with
marks of most respectful curiosity, keeping me bowing constantly in
acknowledgement from side to side.
When we were about a mile off, we were met by the Mayor and several
Councillors, among whom was a venerable old man, who was introduced to me
by the Mayor (for so I suppose I should call him) as the gentleman who
had invited me to his house. I bowed deeply and told him how grateful I
felt to him, and how gladly I would accept his hospitality. He forbade
me to say more, and pointing to his carriage, which was close at hand, he
motioned me to a seat therein. I again bowed profoundly to the Mayor and
Councillors, and drove off with my entertainer, whose name was Senoj
Nosnibor. After about half a mile the carriage turned off the main road,
and we drove under the walls of the town till we reached a _palazzo_ on a
slight eminence, and just on the outskirts of the city. This was Senoj
Nosnibor's house, and nothing can be imagined finer. It was situated
near the magnificent and venerable ruins of the old railway station,
which formed an imposing feature from the gardens of the house.
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