through the streets of Florence, and while
away an hour or two in viewing the splendid appearance of that charming
city, when lighted up with the innumerable lamps of its palaces and
casinos. At length I entered a dark and obscure street, which I knew
must lead toward the river. I had not proceeded far down the street when
I heard the sound of many steps rapidly approaching, as if of a patrol.
I stepped aside under a deep archway, but as chance would have it, they
stopped short within a few paces of the spot where I was shrouded in the
utter obscurity of the arch. I should have immediately passed on my way,
but was induced to stop by hearing a voice which I recognized to be that
of Venturo, whom I believed to be already some miles away from Florence.
I was perfectly astounded at this discovery, and if I had entertained
any doubts as to the identity of that voice, they were speedily cleared
up by the conversation between the men. 'We had better separate here,'
said Venturo, 'and break into at least two parties, as at the bottom of
this street we shall come within the blaze of the lights of the casinos
on the Arno's bank.' 'Well spoken,' returned a voice which, to my
increasing wonder, I recognized to be that of Antonio, my landlady's
son; 'you and I, Venturo, will keep together, and our friends can go on
first. We will follow them in a few minutes, and then unite again at the
angle of the grove nearest to Dame Francatelli's cottage. What say you,
Lomellino?' 'Just as you think fit, Antonio,' returned a third person,
whom I naturally concluded to be the individual addressed as Lomellino.
'You, or rather your master, the Count of Arestino, pays for this
business, and so I am bound to obey you.' 'Listen, then,' resumed
Antonio, 'the young Count of Riverola, whom I have traced to the cottage
this evening, will no doubt be coming away about the time we shall all
meet down there; and therefore we shall have nothing to do but to carry
him off to the cave.' 'Why is the Count of Arestino so hostile to young
Riverola?' demanded the man who had answered to the name of Lomellino.
'He cares nothing about young Riverola, either one way or the other,'
replied Antonio, 'but I have persuaded his lordship that if Francisco be
left at large, he will only use his influence to mitigate the vengeance
of the law against the Countess Giulia, who is the friend of Flora
Francatelli: and so the Count of Arestino has consented to follow my
advice and