In the Land of Love

— And now, sir forrester, if you please, I would like to say a few words to you.

As he said this, Alberto lowered the oars. The boat, driven fast by him against the gentle wave, sprang over it and rocked steadily on the sea’s swell—white as milk—under a white cloudy sky.

The foreigner whom Alberto addressed lifted his eyes, surprised by the boatman’s sharp tone. The look he met beneath Alberto’s furrowed brows was just as unfriendly as the voice…