It was clear that the count was settled for some time.

He had probably taken the old place for a year, by a lease from the Roman family to whom Fillettino and the neighbouring estates belong.

He would spend the spring and the summer there, at least.
Being anxious to see who the tall gentleman might be, of whom my landlady had spoken, I posted myself in the street, at the foot of the inclined bridle-path, leading to the castle gate.

I walked up and down for two hours, about the time I supposed they would all ride, hoping to catch a glimpse of the party.

Neither the count nor his daughter knew me by sight, I was sure, and I felt quite safe.