“An Orlandi.”

“Is it far from here?”

“In the ruins of the Castle of Vicentello d’Istria.”

“Ah! yes—they told me those ruins were close by.”

“Yes, they are about a league from here.”

“So in three-quarters of an hour we shall be there?”

“Yes, in about that time.”

“Lucien,” said Madame de Franchi, “remember you speak for yourself. For a mountaineer as you are it is scarcely three-quarters of an hour distance, but recollect that our guest may not be able to proceed so quickly.”

“That is true; we had better allow ourselves an hour and a half at least.”

“In that case you have no time to lose,” said Madame de Franchi, as she glanced at the clock.