"Patience. I must bring you from proof to proof, and link to link, in order to win my reward. Follow, Signor."
The Becchino then passing through the several lanes and streets, arrived at another house of less magnificent size and architecture. Again he tapped thrice at the parlor door, and this time came forth a man withered, old, and palsied, whom death seemed to disdain to strike.
"Signor Astuccio," said the Becchino, "pardon me; but I told thee I might trouble thee again. This is the gentleman who wants to know, what is often best unknown—but that's not my affair. Did a lady—young and beautiful—with dark hair, and of a slender form, enter this house, stricken with the first symptom of the plague, three days since?"
"Ay, thou knowest that well enough—and thou knowest still better—that she has departed these two days; it was quick work with her, quicker than with most!"
"Did she wear any thing remarkable?"
"Yes, troublesome man, a blue cloak with stars of silver."
"Couldst thou guess aught of her previous circumstances?"
"No, save that she raved much about the nunnery of Santa Maria dei Pazza, and bravos, and sacrilege."
"Are you satisfied, Signor?" asked the grave-digger, with an air of triumph, turning to Adrian. "But no, I will satisfy thee better, if thou hast courage. Wilt thou follow?"