All these gloomy ideas annihilated in a moment the temporary glow of pleasure which our hero had experienced on entering Montoni.
The chaise traversed the southern part of the metropolis, crossed the Ferretti by a noble bridge, and entered the most fashionable and imposing quarter of that portion of the city which stands on the northern side of the river.
At length it stopped at an hotel.
"We shall alight here," said Mario Bazzano.
"But this is not a prison!" exclaimed Richard.
"I never told you that you were on your way to such a place," returned the aide-de-camp, laughing.
"Did you not hint at imprisonment, signor?" said our hero, surprised at the kind forbearance shown towards him—captured, as he had been, with arms in his hand against the reigning Prince.
"That may, or may not happen," replied Bazzano. "At all events, here we will alight: and, remember, while in my charge, you are on your parole. It is not necessary to let the gossips of this tavern know who you are, or why you are here with me."
"My honour is pledged, and the vow will be punctually fulfilled," said Markham.
They then descended from the vehicle, and were conducted to a private apartment in the hotel.