Then the lawyer put his hand on Ludovico's shoulder in a manner that
was strange, and that would at once have seemed so to the Marchese
had he at the time had any attention to give to such a circumstance,
and said in a peremptory and authoritative sort of voice, very
unlike his usual manner when speaking to a person in the social
position of the Marchese,
"Now, come with me, Signor Marchese. Let us go. We can do no more
good here." And he put his arm within that of Ludovico, as if to
lead him away, as he spoke.
The Marchese suffered the old man thus to lead him from the gate
without speaking a word.
"Now, Signor Marchese," said the lawyer, as soon as they had turned
the corner of a street, which took them out of sight of the city
gate, "now, lose no time. Make for the Porta Adriana, and quit the
city by that. There is an osteria in the borgo outside the gate,
where you can get a bagarino with a quick horse for Faenza; thence
cross the mountains into Tuscany. You may easily be over the
frontier this night; you have plenty of time, only none to lose. It
will be at least two hours before any steps can be taken; you may be
beyond Faenza by that time. Have you money about you? If not I can
supply you. I have a considerable sum about me--One word more: Do
not venture to remain in Florence. The grand Ducal Government would
not refuse the demand of the Nuncio in such a case; and the demand
would surely be made.
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