Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1914 edition. Excerpt: ... XXXII HP HEY went out at half past five and joined the dense sauntering throng under the arcade of the Via Venti Settembre. All Genoa turns out at this hour with apparently no object but to amble and stare. The two girls, particularly Ora, who appeared to be the only blonde in the city, were almost mobbed. Every other man spoke to them, or rolled his eyes and twirled his moustache. But they preserved a lofty and blank demeanour, and were practically unmolested. The Genoese works almost as hard as the American during a few hours of the day and haunts the afternoon throngs only to amuse himself indolently. If one woman ignores him he passes on philosophically to the next. "Lord, but I'd like to get a move on!" exclaimed Ida. "Why don't they walk? Is this what they call exercise? And I wouldn't mind their ogling and speaking if they only wouldn't pinch. I'll give this side a rest, anyhow." And she dexterously changed places and drew Ora's other arm through her own. "I love them, pinches and all," said Ora, warmly. "They are like children in one way, and yet they really know how to rest and enjoy themselves, which is more than our men ever lo. Even the working-class enjoys life over here. I wonder why they emigrate?" They had passed round the corner of the arcade and entered the Piazza Defarrari, working their way toward the Via Roma. Ora stopped before one of the cantinas behind the statue of Garibaldi. ' Look at those men drinking their cheap wine and gossipping. They look as if they hadn't a care in the world." "Give me the hustling American," said Ida contemptuously. "I don't call this life. They're just drifting along waiting for the Angel Gabriel to blow his trump. What makes them so lazy and contented? They know they can go just so...