We
can call at the Palazzo Castelmare on our way, and ask the Marchese
for it?"
"Will he be up at this hour, after last night's ball?" asked Quinto.
"He? The Marchese? One sees you are a stranger in Ravenna, my dear
sir. I don't suppose the Marchese has ever been in bed after eight
o'clock the last quarter of a century. He is an early man, the
Marchese,--an example to us all in that, as in all else."
"Very well; then we can call for the paper on our way to my lodging;
it is not much out of the way."
So they walked together to the Palazzo Castelmare, talking of the
brilliant success of the past theatrical season, and of the eminent
qualities and virtues of the Marchese Lamberto; and when they
reached the door the impresario desired the servant who answered the
bell to tell the Marchese that he, Signor Ercole, wished to speak
with him, but would not detain him a moment.
The Marchese, the man said, was not up yet. He, the servant, had
been to his door at the usual hour, but had received no answer to
his knock; so that it was evident that his master was still
sleeping. He had been very late the night before,--far later than
was usual with him,--and no doubt he would ring his bell as soon as
he waked.
"The fact is," said Signor Ercole, as he and Quinto Lalli turned
away from the door, "that the Marchese has not been well of late.
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