[028]
Spinelloccio in the chest heard all that Zeppa had said, and how
he was answered by the lady, and the Trevisan dance that afterwards
went on over his head; whereat his mortification was such that for
a great while he scarce hoped to live through it; and, but for the fear
he had of Zeppa, he would have given his wife a sound rating, close
prisoner though he was. [029]But, as he bethought him that 'twas he
that had given the first affront, and that Zeppa had good cause for
acting as he did, and that he had dealt with him considerately and
as a good fellow should, he resolved that if it were agreeable to
Zeppa, they should be faster friends than ever before.
[030]
However,
Zeppa, having had his pleasure with the lady, got down from the
chest, and being reminded by the lady of his promise of the jewel,
opened the door of the chamber and brought his wife in. Quoth
she with a laugh: "Madam, you have given me tit for tat," and
never a word more.
[031]
Whereupon: "Open the chest," quoth
Zeppa; and she obeying, he shewed the lady her Spinelloccio lying
therein.
[032]
'Twould be hard to say whether of the twain was the
more shame-stricken, Spinelloccio to be confronted with Zeppa,
knowing that Zeppa wist what he had done, or the lady to meet her
husband's eyes, knowing that he had heard what went on above his
head.
[033]
"Lo, here is the jewel I give thee," quoth Zeppa to her,
pointing to Spinelloccio,
[034]
who, as he came forth of the chest, blurted
out: "Zeppa, we are quits, and so 'twere best, as thou saidst a while
ago to my wife, that we still be friends as we were wont, and as we
had nought separate, save our wives, that henceforth we have them
also in common."
[035]
"Content," quoth Zeppa; and so in perfect
peace and accord they all four breakfasted together. And thenceforth
each of the ladies had two husbands, and each of the husbands two
wives; nor was there ever the least dispute or contention between
them on that score.
