She then saw
Ludovico and his companion descend from the carriage, and leave it
apparently in the charge of a man, who came out from the farm-yard.
And they then left the spot where they had alighted on foot, and in
another minute were no longer visible from the window at which
Paolina and the monk stood.
"How long a walk is it, father, from here into the wood?" asked
Paolina, musingly.
"It is a very short distance, daughter. There is a footpath
practicable in dry weather like this, a good deal nearer than the
road we saw the bagarino follow. You might get to the edge of the
Pineta in that way in less than ten minutes."
"And would it be possible to return to the city that way, instead of
coming back to the road?" enquired Paolina.
"Yes; for a part of the way there is a path along the border of the
wood. Then you must fall back into the road. The way lies by the
gate of the farm-house."
"I think I will go back to the city now, father. This scaffold is
just where it will suit me. And tomorrow, a little later perhaps
than this, I hope to come and begin my work. I shall have to come in
a carriage, at all events, the first time, because of bringing my
things. I am so much obliged to you, father, for your kindness. And
I am so glad that you are a Venetian. I little thought to find a
fellow-countryman here.
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