Milan, 26 October 1816, 11:30 a.m.
Exterior of the Palazzo Marino
Having just left the Palazzo Marino, Ziani heard a voice he well knew call out:
‘Lieutenant Ziani!’ shouted Peppino Scirèsa, dressed as a blind beggar.
‘Have you gone raving mad?’ asked the lieutenant, stoppering Peppino’s mouth with his hand.
‘Why? Is there summat wrong with my clobber? I’ve only got dark glasses and a hat to collect alms’.
‘Right you are; pity you called me by name, loud as you like, from across the street!’
‘Ye’re right. Maybe it were better if I disguised meself as a deaf man or someone with one arm! Sorry, but I come looking for you at ’quarters and I found that gorgeous lass Molinari; she threw us out before I could...’
‘Blessed maiden; she does understand everything at once!’
‘Ye
