'Yes or no?
Remember, you will be paid well for your work.' "'Well, then--yes,' I replied.
"'And can you do it at once ?' "'At once ?' "'Ay, Signore, will you bring your colors, and come with me this instant--or must I seek some other painter ?' "I thought of the masked-ball, and sighed; but the promise of good payment, and, above all, the peculiarity of the adventure determined me.
"'Nay, if it is to be done,' said I, 'one time is as good as another.
Let me strike a light, and I will at once pack up my colors and come with you.' "'_Bene_!' said the stranger.

'But be as quick as you can, Signore, for time presses.' "I was quick, you may be sure, and yet not so quick but that I found time to look at my strange visitor.

He was a dark, elderly man, dressed in a suit of plain black, and might have been a clerk, or a tradesman, or a confidential servant.

As soon as I was ready, he took the lead; conducted me to a carriage which was waiting at the corner of a neighboring street; took his place respectfully on the opposite seat; pulled down both the blinds, and gave the word to drive on.

I never knew by what streets we went, or to what part of Rome he took me; but the way seemed long and intricate.