He hated underhand dealings, and scorned himself for the interest the note excited in him, wondering who could find advantage in informing him of the Duchessa's movements.

But the note took effect, nevertheless, although he was ashamed of it, and all night he pondered upon what it told him.

The next day, at three o'clock, he went out alone, and walked rapidly towards the Palazzo Astrardente.

He was unable to bear the suspense any longer; the thought that Corona was going away, apparently to shut herself up in the solitude of the ancient fortress, for any unknown number of months, and that he might not see her until the autumn, was intolerable.

He knew that by the mere use of his name he could at least make sure that she should know he was at her door, and he determined to make the attempt.