But when a man says he is well, or that there is a west wind,
or that his boat is sound, he says 'to-day is Saturday,' because it
might be Friday and he might have forgotten that. It is a silly custom,
Excellency."
"Do not call me excellency, Ruggiero," said Beatrice. "I have no right
to be called so."
"And what could I call you when I have to speak to you, Excellency? I
have been taught so."
"Only princes and dukes and their children are excellencies," answered
Beatrice. "My father was only a Marchese. So if you wish to please me,
call me 'signorina.' That is the proper way to speak to me."
"I will try, Excellency," answered Ruggiero, opening his blue eyes very
wide. Beatrice laughed a little.
"You see," she said, "you did it again."
"Yes, Signorina," replied Ruggiero. "But I will not forget again. When
the tongue of the ignorant has learned a word it is hard to change it."
"Well, good-day Ruggiero. Your story is very interesting. I am going to
breakfast, and I thank you for what you did for me."
"It is not I who deserve any thanks. And good appetite to you,
Signorina." She turned and walked slowly back towards the hotel.
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