Now one day at high noon forth tripped the damsel from her chamber in a white gown, her locks braided about her head, to wash her hands and face at a well that was in the courtyard of the house, and, while she was so engaged, it befell that Calandrino came there for water, and greeted her familiarly.  Having returned his salutation, she, rather because Calandrino struck her as something out of the common, than for any other interest she felt in him, regarded him attentively.  Calandrino did the like by her, and being smitten by her beauty, found reasons enough why he should not go back to his comrades with the water; but, as he knew not who she was, he made not bold to address her.  She, upon whom his gaze was not lost, being minded to amuse herself at his expense, let her glance from time to time rest upon him, while she heaved a slight sigh or two.  Whereby Calandrino was forthwith captivated, and tarried in the courtyard, until Filippo called her back into the chamber.  Returned to his work, Calandrino sighed like a furnace:  which Bruno, who was ever regardful of his doings for the diversion they afforded him, failed not to mark, and by and by:—­“What the Devil is amiss with thee, comrade Calandrino?” quoth he.  “Thou dost nought but puff and blow.”  “Comrade,” replied Calandrino, “I should be in luck, had I but one to help me.”  “How so?” quoth Bruno.  “Why,” returned Calandrino, “’tis not to go farther, but there is a damsel below, fairer than a lamia, and so mightily in love with me that ’twould astonish thee.  I observed it but now, when I went to fetch the water.”  “Nay, but, Calandrino, make sure she be not Filippo’s wife,” quoth Bruno.  “I doubt ’tis even so,” replied Calandrino, “for he called her and she joined him in the chamber; but what signifies it?  I would circumvent Christ Himself in such case, not to say Filippo.  Of a truth, comrade, I tell thee she pleases me I could not say how.”  “Comrade,” returned Bruno, “I will find out for thee who she is, and if she be Filippo’s wife, two words from me will make it all straight for thee, for she is much my friend.  But how shall we prevent Buffalmacco knowing it?  I can never have a word with her but he is with me.”  “As to Buffalmacco,” replied Calandrino:  “I care not if he do know it; but let us make sure that it come not to Nello’s ears, for he is of kin to Monna Tessa, and would spoil it all.”  Whereto:—­“Thou art in the right,” returned Bruno.

Now Bruno knew what the damsel was, for he had seen her arrive, and moreover Filippo had told him.  So, Calandrino having given over working for a while, and betaken him to her, Bruno acquainted Nello and Buffalmacco with the whole story; and thereupon they privily concerted how to entreat him in regard of this love affair.  Wherefore, upon his return, quoth Bruno softly:—­“Didst see her?” “Ay, woe’s me!” replied Calandrino:  “she has stricken me to the death.”  Quoth Bruno:—­“I will go see if she be the lady I take her to be, and if I find that ’tis