noon
There were a few rooms in the house provided with beds and other furniture , and an old female servant lived there as caretaker , but otherwise the house was unoccupied , for which cause Niccolo 's son , Filippo , being a young man and a bachelor , was wont sometimes to bring thither a woman for his pleasure , and after keeping her there for a few days to escort her thence again . Now on one of these occasions it befell that he brought thither one Niccolosa , whom a vile fellow , named Mangione , kept in a house at Camaldoli as a common prostitute . And a fine piece of flesh she was , and wore fine clothes , and for one of her sort , knew how to comport herself becomingly and talk agreeably . 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 . 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 . 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 .