By an effort I
regained my self-control.
"It is very well," I said. "I will ride with you to Pagliano."
Both stared at me in utter amazement at the suddenness of my consent
following upon information that, in their minds, could have no possible
bearing upon the matter at issue.
"Is he quite sane, do you think?" cried Galeotto gruffly.
"I think he has just become so," said Fra Gervasio after a pause.
"God give me patience, then," grumbled the soldier, and left me puzzled by
the words.
BOOK IV
THE WORLD
CHAPTER I
PAGLIANO
The lilac was in bloom when we came to the grey walls of Pagliano in that
May of '45, and its scent, arousing the memory of my return to the world,
has ever since been to me symbolical of the world itself.
Mine was no half-hearted, backward-glancing return. Having determined upon
the step, I took it resolutely and completely at a single stride. Since
Galeotto placed his resources at my disposal, to be repaid him later when I
should have entered upon the enjoyment of my heritage of Mondolfo, I did
not scruple to draw upon them for my needs.
I accepted the fine linen and noble raiment that he offered, and I took
pleasure in the brave appearance that I made in them, my face shorn now of
its beard and my hair trimmed to a proper length.
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