She must go out, and--do what?
The poor old woman did not in the least know what to do; or of whom to make any inquiry.

The only person with whom the two Venetian strangers had become at all intimate in Ravenna was the Marchese Ludovico.

And the only step in her difficulty which old Orsola could think of taking, after much doubt and hesitation, was to go to the Palazzo Castelmare, and endeavour to speak with the Marchesino.

The letter of introduction, which they had brought from the English patron, was addressed to the Marchese Lamberto.

But the acquaintance of the Venetians with him had remained very slight; and Orsola felt so much awe of so grand and reverend a Signor, that it was to the nephew only that she thought of applying.
So, not without much doubt and misgiving, the old woman put on her bonnet and cloak and made the best of her way to the Castelmare palace.
There she found a porter lounging before the door, to whom she made her petition to be allowed to speak to the Signor Marchese Ludovico.
"My name is Orsola Steno," said the old woman humbly, a little in awe of the majestic porter, chosen for that situation for his size; "and the Signor Marchesino knows me very well.