He had almost reached the arched gateway near his inn, when he met a heavy country carriage lumbering along the road.

In it was seated a stoutish man, well dressed, and still fairly young.

His hands were clasped across his stomach, his eyelids drooped, and he seemed about to doze off, when of a sudden he caught sight of Casanova, and a great change took place in him.

His whole aspect betrayed great excitement.

He sprang to his feet, but too quickly, and fell back into his seat.