s. It
will be better for me in the end than if I become your compare."

"If you think so," said Ivanhoe.

I had no doubt about it, so I gave him four more francs and abandoned all
hope of ever seeing them again; but I got my money's worth, or part of
it, in the shape of a registered letter soon after my return to London;
in English the letter runs thus, and I was brutal enough to leave it
unanswered:

CASTELLINARIA.

My most esteemed friend, Signor Enrico!

First of all I must inform you that my health is excellent and I hope
that yours also is good. I wish you all the happiness that it is
possible for anyone to have in this world and I would that I could
transport my presence into London so that I might be with you for a
few days and thus augment your domestic joy. But there is one thing
wanting--I allude to money. So many misfortunes have happened to me
in this sad year that I have not the means to undertake a long
journey. I should be much obliged to you if you would kindly forward
me 300 francs, of which I am in urgent need as I have to pay a debt.
This money I will repay you immediately the next time I have the
pleasure of seeing you in Castellinaria or, if you prefer it, I will
promise to pay you in seven months from this date by sending the
money through the post; it is for you to choose which course would
suit you best. You will find in me an honest man. You will be doing
me a favour for which I shall be grateful all the rest of my life,
for you will be extricating me from a position of extreme discomfort.
The Padre Eterno will bless your philanthropic and humane action and
I shall have a memory sculptured on my heart as long as I live.

I will ever pray for your health and for that of all your family.
The favour I am now asking I should like you to grant during the week
after you receive this letter. I will not write more except to say
that, relying on the goodness of your heart, I thank you cordially
and await your favourable reply.

With infinite salutations,
I subscribe myself yours for life,
IVANHOE.

EARTHQUAKE ECHOES

CHAPTER XVII
TOTO CARBONARO

One morning, in the autum