Page:Rambles in Germany and Italy in 1840, 1842, and 1843 - Volume 1.djvu/149

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AND ITALY.
125



LETTER XII.

Departure from Milan.—Journey across the Simplon.—Lake of Geneva.—Lyons.—Steamboat to Châlons.—Diligence to Paris.—History of the eventful Journey across Mont St. Gothard.
Milan, 28th Sept.

I have made a compact with a veturino, to take me and my maid to Geneva for ten napoleons, in six days. He is to provide us with sleeping-rooms, a dinner, and coffee in the morning. This is very reasonable; but we are not to have the carriage to ourselves: he is already engaged to take three English ladies, and I am to join the party. I sent M—— to their hotel to look at our companions; she brings back word that they are certainly ladies—three sisters they are; but, from their accent, she thinks them Irish. Three Irish ladies out on their travels without any attendant, seems odd; but I trust to my maid’s tact as to their being, as she phrased it, really ladies. The whole day has been occupied in getting a passport. P—— had taken mine; and there is always a good deal of trouble in getting a fresh one visé in Austrian Italy.