It was a narrow footpath.

Was that where the Signore must get out to go to Villa Mayda?
No, but the Signore was determined to get out at any cost, to quit that poisoned carriage.

He dragged himself as far as Sant' Anselmo, struggling with his poor weak body and with the wind.

Exhausted once more, he thought of asking the monks for hospitality, but did not do so.

He went down, skirting the great silent refuge of peace belonging to the Benedictines, passed, sighing, before the closed door, which said in vain _quieti et amicis_, and at last reached the gate of Villa Mayda.
The gardener came, half dressed, to open the gate, and was greatly astonished to see him.