Doubtless this was the official communication of which Paterini
spoke, or the forerunner of it. The Marchese desired his man to
bring him the Cardinal's letter directly.
Yes; the pleasant duty having fallen to the lot of the Cardinal of
making a communication to the Marchese, which would doubtless be
highly gratifying to him, his Eminence was anxious to seize the
earliest opportunity of performing so agreeable a task; and would be
happy to see the Marchese at one o'clock that day, if that hour
suited his lordship's convenience.
"Delighted to have the honour of waiting on his Eminence at the hour
named."
The Marchese put the two letters on his toilet-table, and proceeded
to dress. They were large letters. That from Monsieur Paterini was
written on a sheet of foolscap paper, and addressed in a large
strong hand, with the word RAVENNA in letters half an inch high.
That from the Cardinal was contained in a large square envelope,
sealed with a huge seal bearing his Eminence's arms under a
Cardinal's hat, with its long many-tailed tassels hanging down on
either side.
What a triumph would be this journey to Rome. What a yet greater
triumph the return from it. The Legate would certainly hold a
special state reception to welcome him back, and give him an
opportunity of showing the new order to all his fellow-citizens.
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