The Orsi and the Moratini had taken my advice and gone to Citta di
Castello; so it was to that city we directed our way, and eventually
reached it in safety. I did not know where Bartolomeo Moratini was, and
I did not wish to take Giulia to my own house, so I placed her in a
Benedictine convent, the superior of which, on hearing my name, promised
to give her guest every care.
Then I went to the old palace which I had not seen for so many years. I
had been too excited to get really home to notice anything of the
streets as I passed through them; but as I came in view of the
well-remembered walls, I stopped, overcome with strange emotions.... I
remembered the day when news had been brought me that the old Vitelli,
who was then ruler of Castello, had murmured certain things about me
which caused my neck to itch uncomfortably--and upon this I had
entrusted my little brother to a relative, who was one of the canons of
the cathedral, and the palace to my steward, and mounting my horse,
ridden off with all possible haste. I had supposed that a few months
would calm the angry Vitelli, but the months had lengthened out into
years, and his death had come before his forgiveness. But now I really
was back, and I did not mean to go away; my travels had taught me
caution, and my intrigues at Forli given me enough excitement for some
time. Besides, I was going to marry and rear a family; for, as if
Fortune could not give scantily, I had gained a love as well as a home,
and everything I wished was granted.
My meditations were interrupted.
'_Corpo di Bacco!_'
It was Matteo, and in a moment I was in his arms.
'I was just asking myself what that fool was staring at this house for,
and thinking of telling him it was impolite to stare, when I recognised
the house's owner.'