Uncle and Nephew Ludovico di Castelmare did not see his uncle that evening.

He returned to the Palazzo, thoughtful enough, direct from the house in the Strada di Santa Eufemia, and there learned that the Impresario had been with the Marchese; that he had brought the good news of his success in having engaged "La Lalli" to sing at Ravenna during the coming Carnival; and that he, Ludovico, had been sent for by his uncle from the Circolo.

What for, the servant could not tell him.

He could only say that the Marchese had seemed much put out at the Signor Marchese Ludovico's absence, and that he had shortly afterwards gone out to pass the remainder of the evening at the palace of the Cardinal Legate.
Ludovico was by no means so anxious to see his uncle as to wait to do so till he should return at night.

He betook himself to his own quartierino, locked the door, and sat down to think.
He had said no more than the truth to Paolina when he professed that he had never spoken a word with the intention of deceiving her.