The Cardinal, who was dressed in secular habit, rose, and, drawing his sword, protested against this high-handed proceeding.

Martuccia, by favor of their host, was his partner that evening.

Upon this, Marcello called his men; but when they recognized the Cardinal nephew, they refused to employ violence.

In the course of the quarrel, Martuccia made her escape, followed by Marcello, Caraffa, and the company.

There ensued a street-brawl between the young man and the Cardinal; but no blood was spilt, and the incident need have had but slight importance, if the Duke of Palliano had not thought it necessary to place Lanfranchi and Marcello under arrest.