"The idea is a nightmare! No; we will not say a word till
afterwards. 'Tis the most charming notion for a finale to a Carnival
that ever was conceived. I make you my compliments on it, Signor
Ludovico."

"So, then, all the `buts' have been butted and rebutted?" said he.

"Well, I suppose so,"--by the help of a strong desire to yield to
the temptation of so pleasant a scheme, the way `buts' generally are
answered. "But we cannot go on the expedition as we are, I suppose?"
said she.

"I don't see why not. I dare say the old pines have seen similar
figures beneath them before now. But you would not be comfortable
without changing your dress, and the mornings are still sharp. This
is how it must be. I will slip away before long, and make all
preparation necessary. I will get a bagarino and a pony--not from
the Castelmare stables, you understand, but from a man I know and
can trust--and I will come with it to the door of your lodging at
six o'clock. You will stay at the ball till the end. Everybody will
go by four o'clock, or soon after. That will give you plenty of time
to change your dress. By six o'clock every soul in Ravenna will be
fast asleep. We shall drive to a little farm-house I know on the
border of the forest, leave our bagarino there, and have our stroll
under the trees just as long and as far as is agreeable to you.
Won't that do?"

"Perfect! I shall enjoy it amazingly. I will be sure to be ready
when you come at six o'clock."