But I had not courage enough, or rather I voluntarily obeyed the decrees of destiny.
When she heard my order to go away, she threw herself on her knees, and melting into tears, she begged, she entreated my pity! Where is the heart of steel which is not softened by the tears, by the prayers of a pretty and unfortunate woman?
I gave way, but I told her that it was ruin for both of us.
"No one," she replied, "has seen me, I am certain, when I entered the mansion and came up to your room, and I consider my visit here a week ago as most fortunate; otherwise, I never could have known which was your room." "Alas! how much better if you had never come! But what has become of your lover ?" "The 'sbirri' have carried him off, as well as the servant.

I will tell you all about it.

My lover had informed me that a carriage would wait to-night at the foot of the flight of steps before the Church of Trinita del Monte, and that he would be there himself.

I entered his room through the garret window an hour ago.

There I put on this disguise, and, accompanied by the servant, proceeded to meet him.