He will, of course, be informed of my intention by
myself. Do not forget, however, that my first communication to you
on this subject was on the first day of Lent, Ash Wednesday."
"Forget it, Signor Marchese! I am not likely to forget it for a long
time to come, I assure you," said the lawyer, not a little
surprised.
"I mention it because I am anxious that you should not accuse me of
acting with precipitancy in this matter; that when I shall renew my
application to you, you may remember that I have had due and
sufficient time for reflection. Addio, Signor Giovacchino," said the
Marchese, reverting to the more friendly form of address; "addio, ed
a rivederci fra poco!"
"Servo suo, Lustrissimo Signor Marchese. a rivederci!"
VIII
Lost in the Forest
Signor Fortini went straight home to his pleasant little snuggery
under the wing,--it might almost be said, under the roof,--of the
Cathedral, and sat down in his easy chair to resume the occupation
that had been interrupted by the summons from the Marchese. He took
up the medal he had been examining, and the magnifying glass, in a
manner that implied a sort of ostentatious protest to himself that
the calm and even tenour of his own life and occupations was not to
be disturbed from its course by all the follies and extravagances of
the world around him.
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