There were several of these rallying points, among which may be
chiefly noticed the Palazzo Valdarno, the Palazzo Saracinesca, and
the Palazzo Montevarchi. In the first of these three it may be
observed in passing that there was a division of opinion, the old
people being the most rigid of conservatives, while the children
declared as loudly as they dared that they were for Victor
Emmanuel and United Italy. The Saracinesca, on the other hand,
were firmly united and determined to stand by the existing order
of things. Lastly, the Montevarchi all took their opinions from
the head of the house, and knew very well that they would submit
like sheep to be led whichever way was most agreeable to the old
prince. The friends who frequented those various gatherings were
of course careful to say whatever was most sure to please their
hosts, and after the set speeches were made most of them fell to
their usual occupation of talking about each other.
Gouache was an old friend of the Saracinesca, and came whenever he
pleased; since his accident, too, he had become better acquainted
with the Montevarchi, and was always a welcome guest, as he
generally brought the latest news of the fighting, as well as the
last accounts from France, which he easily got through his
friendship with the young attaches of his embassy.
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