Let me have this last Carnival; then Lent is of no use: after that we will see about it." "Well, be it so.

But, my dear boy, you know all the importance of this marriage! You know how desirable it is in every point of view; family, rank, station, influence, money,--though that happily we have no need to seek; why, it was only last week,--this is a secret, and must go no further, but I know I can trust to your discretion;--only last week, that I got a letter from my old friend, Monsignore Paterini at Rome, in which he speaks in almost open terms of the chance, and even probability, that our Cardinal might--ahem!--find the next conclave a particularly interesting one.

You know how Paterini stands at Rome, and that a hint from him is as good as a volume from another; and just think of the possibilities that such a contingency might open before you! I won't say any more; but do now during this Carnival, show yourself a little more at the palace, and pay a little attention, and let the world see that you occupy the place with regard to the Contessa Violante, that you really do occupy.

Basta!" "I will do the best I can, sir, to merit your approbation," said Ludovico, feeling that he was expected to say something, and not well knowing how to do it.
"And now about the matter I wanted to speak of last night.

La Lalli comes to us, you see, for the Carnival: it is a great triumph for Ravenna.