He, too, knew what the
signs meant, and remarked to himself that Gouache was an
enterprising youth, but that, in the interest of the whole tribe
of Montevarchi, it would be well to put a stop to his love-making
as soon as possible. It was now Saturday afternoon and there was
no time to be lost.
San Giacinto made a short visit, and, on leaving, went immediately
to the Palazzo Saracinesca. He knew that at four o'clock Corona
would probably not yet be at home. This turned out to be the case,
and having announced his intention of waiting for her return he
was ushered into the sitting-room. As soon as the servant was gone
he went to Corona's writing-table and took from it a couple of
sheets of her paper and two of her envelopes. These latter were
stamped with a coronet and her initials. He folded the paper
carefully and put the four bits into his pocket-book. He waited
ten minutes, but no one came. Then he left the house, telling the
servant to say that he had called and would return presently. In a
few minutes he was at his lodgings, where he proceeded to write
the following note. He had taken two sheets in case the first
proved a failure:--
"I have understood, but alas! I cannot come. Oh, my beloved! when
shall we meet again? It seems years since Tuesday night--and yet I
am so watched that I can do nothing.
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