CHAPTER IV
Paolina Foscarelli
The young Marchese Ludovico di Castelmare had in the early part of
the evening lounged into the Circolo, as was the habit of most of
those of his class, seniors as well as juniors; but he had, as had
been correctly reported to his uncle, very shortly left it without
saying a word to any one as to how he intended to dispose of his
evening. The Marchese Ludovico flattered himself, as people are apt
to flatter themselves in similar cases, that his absence would be
little noted, and that his reticence would suffice to leave all
Ravenna in ignorance as to the errand on which he was bound when he
left the Circolo. So far was this from being the case, however, that
there was not one, at all events among the younger men, whom he left
behind him, who did not know perfectly well where he was gone; and
that his uncle, when by the unforeseen accident that has been
related he was made aware of his absence from the club, was at no
loss to guess what he had done with himself.
But in order that the reader may have a like advantage, it will be
necessary to mention very briefly, some circumstances which occurred
previously to the period referred to in the former chapters.
Some months before the time of Signor Ercole Stadione's journey to
Milan, a wandering Englishman had arrived at Ravenna, and having
spent three or four days in examining with much interest the
wonderful wealth of Mosaics of the fourth, fifth, and sixth
centuries, still preserved in the churches of the ancient capital of
the Exarchs, had continued his route to Venice.
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