Many houses appeared to have sustained a siege, and the marks of the bullets dotted the walls. From time to time as we proceeded we caught sight of a curious eye flashing upon us from an embrasure; but it was impossible to distinguish whether the spectator were a man or a woman. We at length reached the house which I had indicated to my guide, and which was evidently the most considerable in the village. As we approached it more nearly, one thing struck me, and that was, fortified to all outward appearance as it was, it was not so in reality, for there were neither oaken planks, bricks, nor loop-holes, but simple squares of glass, protected at night by wooden shutters. It is true that the shutters showed holes which could only have been made by the passage of a bullet; but they were of old date, and could not have been made within the previous ten years. Scarcely had my guide knocked, when the door was opened, not hesitatingly, nor in a timid manner, but widely, and a valet, or rather I should say a man appeared. It is the livery that makes the valet, and the individual who then opened the door to us wore a velvet waistcoat, trowsers of the same material, and leather gaiters. The breeches were fastened at the waist by a parti-coloured silk sash, from the folds of which protruded the handle of a Spanish knife. "My friend," I said, "is it indiscreet of me, who knows nobody in Sullacaro, to ask hospitality of your mistress?" "Certainly not, your Excellency," he replied; "the stranger does honour to the house before which he stops." "Maria," he continued, turning to a servant, who was standing behind him, "will you inform Madame Savilia that a French traveller seeks hospitality?" As he finished speaking he came down the eight rough ladder-like steps which led to the entrance door, and took the bridle of my horse. I dismounted. "Your Excellency need have no further concern," he said; "all your luggage will be taken to your room." I profited by this gracious invitation to idleness--one of the most agreeable which can be extended to a traveller. CHAPTER II. I SLOWLY ascended the steps and entered the house, and at a corner of the corridor I found myself face to face with a tall lady dressed in black. I understood at once that this lady of thirty-eight or forty years of age, and still beautiful, was the mistress of the house. "Madame," said I, bowing deeply, "I am afraid you will think me intrusive, but the custom of the country may be my excuse, and your servant's invitation my authority to enter." "You are welcome to the mother," replied Madame de Franchi, "and you will almost immediately be welcomed by the son. From this moment, sir, the house belongs to you; use it as if it were your own." "I come but to beg hospitality for one night, madame," I answered; "to-morrow morning, at daybreak, I will take my departure."