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The house ought to be occupied, the land all about it, up
to the very door, and behind upon the sunny mountain-side, planted
with American vines. If it belonged to him that was what he would do--
plant American vines, and when the years of yielding came, give a good
percentage on all the wine made and sold to the man who had tended the
vineyard.
The peasant's love of money awoke. He only let the cottage to Hermione
year by year, and had no contract with her extending beyond a twelve-
months' lease. Before Artois left Marechiaro the tender treachery was
arranged. When the year's lease was up, the contadino wrote to her
declining to renew it. She answered, protesting, offering more money.
But it was all in vain. The man replied that he had already let the
cottage and the land around it to a grower of vines for a long term of
years, and that he was getting double the annual price she offered.
Hermione was indignant and bitterly distressed. When this letter
reached her she was at Fiesole with Vere in a villa which she had
taken.


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