“But, surely, you are Conte Leopaldo Ricci?”
“That is my name,” the man in the green coat said. “But I thought during Carnival that we were all incognito.”
“We hope we are,” Sir Harvey replied. “Yet as it happens I was looking for you. The Duke of Ferrara, with whom my sister and I are well acquainted, told me particularly to look you up when we arrived at Venice.”
“You know the Duke?” the Conte exclaimed.
“Very well, indeed,” Sir Harvey answered. “He lent us his burchiello to convey us here and he gave me some messages to convey to you.”
“Then I must certainly hear them,” the Conte said with a smile. “Can we not repair to a wine shop and sit down? I would be honoured if you will join me in a glass of wine.”
“We shall be delighted,” Sir Harvey beamed.
“Then lead the way,” the Conte
