“Certainly; the inmates are not cloistered nuns. We will go with you.”
“You will come too? that will be a delightful party indeed.”
“Ask for leave, and we will arrange the day.”
This plan seemed to me a delicious dream. I guessed that the gallant cardinal was curious to see Armelline, but I was not afraid as I knew he was a constant lover. Besides I felt sure that if he took an interest in the fair recluse he would be certain to find her a husband.
In three or four days the princess summoned me to her box in the Alberti Theatre, and shewed me Cardinal Orsini’s note, allowing her and her friends to see the interior of the house.
“To-morrow afternoon,” said she, “we will fix the day and the hour for the visit.”
Next day I paid my usual visit to the recluses, and the superioress came to tell me that the cardinal had told her that the Princess Santa Croce was coming to visit the house with some friends.
“I know it,” said I; “I am coming with her.”
“When is she coming?”
“I don’t know yet, but I will inform you later on.”