"
I listened, without making any remark. To tell the truth, I was thinking
of Stella.
March 6.--I have been to Civita Vecchia, to give a little farewell
entertainment to the officers and crew before they take the yacht back
to England.
In a few words I said at parting, I mentioned that it was my purpose to
make an offer for the purchase of the vessel, and that my guests should
hear from me again on the subject. This announcement was received with
enthusiasm. I really like my crew--and I don't think it is vain in me
to believe that they return the feeling, from the sailing-master to the
cabin-boy. My future life, after all that has passed, is likely to be a
roving life, unless--No! I may think sometimes of that happier prospect,
but I had better not put my thoughts into w ords. I have a fine vessel;
I have plenty of money; and I like the sea. There are three good reasons
for buying the yacht.
Returning to Rome in the evening, I found waiting for me a letter from
Stella.
She writes (immediately on the receipt of my telegram) to make a similar
request to the request addressed to me by her mother.
Pages:
483
484
485
486
487
488
489
490
491
492
493
494
495
496
497
498
499
500
501
502
503
504
505
506
507