Now one day at high noon forth tripped the damsel from her
chamber in a white gown, her locks braided about her head, to
wash her hands and face at a well that was in the courtyard of the
house, and, while she was so engaged, it befell that Calandrino came
there for water, and greeted her familiarly.
[010]
Having returned his
salutation, she, rather because Calandrino struck her as something
out of the common, than for any other interest she felt in him,
regarded him attentively. Calandrino did the like by her, and being
smitten by her beauty, found reasons enough why he should not go
back to his comrades with the water; but, as he knew not who she
was, he made not bold to address her.
[011]
She, upon whom his gaze
was not lost, being minded to amuse herself at his expense, let her
glance from time to time rest upon him, while she heaved a slight
sigh or two. Whereby Calandrino was forthwith captivated, and
tarried in the courtyard, until Filippo called her back into the chamber.
[012]
Returned to his work, Calandrino sighed like a furnace: which
Bruno, who was ever regardful of his doings for the diversion they
afforded him, failed not to mark, and by and by: "What the
Devil is amiss with thee, comrade Calandrino?" quoth he. "Thou
dost nought but puff and blow."
[013]
"Comrade," replied Calandrino,
"I should be in luck, had I but one to help me."
[014]
"How so?"
quoth Bruno.
[015]
"Why," returned Calandrino, "'tis not to go farther,
but there is a damsel below, fairer than a lamia, and so mightily in
love with me that 'twould astonish thee. I observed it but now,
when I went to fetch the water."
[016]
"Nay, but, Calandrino, make
sure she be not Filippo's wife," quoth Bruno.
[017]
"I doubt 'tis even
so," replied Calandrino, "for he called her and she joined him in the
chamber; but what signifies it? I would circumvent Christ Himself
in such case, not to say Filippo. Of a truth, comrade, I tell thee
she pleases me I could not say how."[018]"Comrade," returned Bruno,
"I will find out for thee who she is, and if she be Filippo's wife, two
words from me will make it all straight for thee, for she is much my
friend. But how shall we prevent Buffalmacco knowing it? I can
never have a word with her, but he is with me."
[019]
"As to Buffalmacco,"
replied Calandrino, "I care not if he do know it; but let
us make sure that it come not to Nello's ears, for he is of kin to
Monna Tessa, and would spoil it all."
[020]
Whereto: "Thou art in
the right," returned Bruno.
