He is an early man, the Marchese,--an example to us all in that, as in all else." "Very well; then we can call for the paper on our way to my lodging; it is not much out of the way." So they walked together to the Palazzo Castelmare, talking of the brilliant success of the past theatrical season, and of the eminent qualities and virtues of the Marchese Lamberto; and when they reached the door the impresario desired the servant who answered the bell to tell the Marchese that he, Signor Ercole, wished to speak with him, but would not detain him a moment.
The Marchese, the man said, was not up yet.

He, the servant, had been to his door at the usual hour, but had received no answer to his knock; so that it was evident that his master was still sleeping.

He had been very late the night before,--far later than was usual with him,--and no doubt he would ring his bell as soon as he waked.
"The fact is," said Signor Ercole, as he and Quinto Lalli turned away from the door, "that the Marchese has not been well of late.

He very often does me the honour of conversing with me,--I may say indeed of consulting me on subjects of art;--and I grieve to say that I have of late observed a change in him.

He is not like the same man." "Getting old, I suppose, like the rest of us," said Quinto.
"Like some of us," corrected Signor Ercole; "but, Lord bless you! the Marchese is a young man--a young man, so to speak,--he's not above fifty, and a very young man of his years; at least he was so a month or two ago.