When I joined the high-road, I took carriage for Naples.  Among my travelling companions was a portly, handsome, Neapolitan lady, with whom I became very friendly, and who invited me to her house.  She was the wife of a Professor Maretti, and her name was Santa.  The professor himself was a little half-famished looking man, full of learning, by the show of which he was in the habit of boring everybody who came near him.  Santa made up for this by her liveliness and her warm interest in my affairs.  Amid music and laughter I spent many happy hours in her house, made friends, and was encouraged to make my debut as an improvisatore.  I had written to Eccellenza a true account of the reason of my departure, and informed him of my future intentions; but his reply, which arrived after long delay, was a stunning blow to me.  He was exceedingly annoyed, washed his hands of me, and wished me not on any account to connect his name with my public life.

IV.—­On the Road to Fame

The bitterness of my misery was brought home to me with new force when I saw Bernardo at a gambling saloon in the company of a handsome woman of doubtful reputation.  That Annunciata should have preferred this fickle man to me!  My debut at San Carlo aroused great enthusiasm, and Santa, whom I saw next day in her snug heavily curtained room, seemed radiant with happiness at my success.  She made me sit on a soft silken sofa, stroked my head, and spoke of my future.  I kissed her hand, and looked into her dark eyes with a purity of soul and thought.  She was greatly excited.  I saw her bosom heave violently; she loosened a scarf to breathe more freely.  “You are deserving of love,” said she.  “Soul and beauty are deserving of any woman’s love!” She drew me towards her; her lips were like fire that flowed into my very soul!

Eternal Mother of God!  The holy image, at that moment, fell down from the wall.  It was no mere accident.  “No, no!” I exclaimed, starting up.  “Antonio,” cried she, “kill me! kill me! but do not leave me!” But I rushed out of the house, determined never to set eyes upon Santa again.  The sea air would cool me.  I took a boat to Torre del Annunciata; and happiness gradually returned to me as I realised what danger I had escaped by the grace of the Virgin.

I joined the crowd watching the fiery stream of lava slowly descending towards the sea, when I heard somebody calling my name.  It was Fabiani, who insisted on taking me at once to see Francesca.  The welcome was hearty.  There were no recriminations, although I resented for a while the tone of benevolent patronage adopted by my benefactors.  I learnt that Bernardo had entered the King of Naples’ service, and that Annunciata was shortly expected.  An expedition was arranged to Paestum and Capri; and Fabiani insisted upon my joining the party.  He also undertook to write to his father-in-law on my behalf....