. . .
Although it was hardly likely that the great man would deign to accept
Torquemada's invitation, yet half the town was assembled at the harbour
to await the arrival of the evening boat and catch a glimpse, if
possible, of the famous Camorrista. And there he was! He leaned over
the taffrail, easily recognizable from his pictures in the illustrated
papers. He was dressed in a felt hat, brown boots, and light grey
clothes--just like anybody else. Presently he descended to the quay,
followed by a tall and solid-looking young valet. He was wreathed in
smiles. A whiff of political life, of busy deeds in the capital,
exhaled from his person. The Mayor of Nepenthe, a devout Catholic,
deferentially shook hands and introduced the PARROCO and other
notabilities. They drove up together. It was all delightfully breezy
and informal. But men were aware that in this little episode there
lurked more than met the eye; that the arrival of Commendatore Morena
was an occasion worthy to be chronicled in the annals of the island.
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