Reimagining of Roman Fever
The two ladies had had a sumptuous lunch with their young and very pretty daughters. In the rush of the luncheon-hour, the head-waiter hadn’t paid them extra attention, but now the daughters had left and the ladies had moved to the parapet. With the aim of hinting that they should leave now that they weren’t spending any money, Antonio ambled near them. One of the ladies was knitting something red and slightly lumpy. The other lady, who had a stalwart nose, signaled to him. With all the confidence and authority that came with wealth, she said, “Ah, sir. As old lovers of Rome, we would like to spend the end of the afternoon looking down on the view— that is, if it does not disturb the service?” Antonio took the rather stodgy tip and bowed. “Of course you are most welcome, and would be still more so if you would condescend to remain for dinner. It will be a f...