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"Lorenzo Tramaglino," said the young man, who, enchanted with the

project, did not reflect that it all depended on pen, ink, and

paper; and that the first point towards its success was to

collect the names of the persons to be served.

"Very well," said the unknown; "but have you a wife and

children?"

"I ought to have-children, no-not yet-but a wife-if people had

acted as their duty required--"

"Ah, you are single! then have patience; they will only give you

a smaller portion."

"That is but just. But if soon, as I hope-by the help of

God-enough; suppose I have a wife."

"Then the ticket must be changed, and the portion increased, as I

have said, according to the mouths," replied the unknown, rising.

"That would be very good," cried Renzo, thumping the table with

his fist; "and why don't they make such a law?"

"How can I tell you? meanwhile I wish you a good night, as my

wife and children must have been expecting me this long while."