She had no friends, no relations, none to turn to in such a need.

It was not that she cared for company in her solitude; it was merely a question of propriety.

To overcome the difficulty, she obtained permission to take with her one of the sisters of a charitable order of nuns, a lady in middle life, but broken down and in ill health from her untiring labours.

The thing was easily managed; and the next morning, on leaving the palace, she stopped at the gate of the community and found Sister Gabrielle waiting with her modest box.

The nun entered the huge travelling carriage, and the two ladies set out for Astrardente.
It was the first day of Carnival, and a memorably sad one for Giovanni Saracinesca.