4 P.M.
Among other things , the two had a little joke about the Baron Rothschild , who rode about Albano on a tiny donkey with two servants behind him ; also the Baroness , a painfully plain woman , with an ugly dog the image of herself . When they arrived at Rome , however , their joke was turned against them , by the discovery that the meek man was the Baron 's secretary , who would doubtless repeat their chat at head-quarters . To see the handsome man slap his brow , and then laugh like a boy at the fun , was worth a longer journey , Amanda thought , as he put her into a carriage , gave her his best martial salute , and went clanking away about his own affairs . Amanda returned at 4 P.M. , and her emotions may be imagined when the dark face of her officer peered in at the car window , and the melodious voice asked if he might be permitted to enter . Of course he might ; and , as no secretary now spoilt the _ tête-à-tête _ , Mars became delightfully confidential , and poured his woes into the sympathising bosom of Amanda . It had been a great affliction to him that his regiment was quartered at Albano for some months . _ Mio Dio !