第三十五章 La Mazzolata
Chapter 35. La Mazzolata follows the Count, Franz, and Albert as they proceed from Franz’s rooms to the Piazza del Popolo to witness an execution. The chapter confirms the Count’s identity through a prearranged window signal, then unfolds the grim spectacle of a Roman beheading by mace. A last-minute pardon saves one prisoner while inflaming the other, leading to a violent execution before a carnival-minded crowd. The chapter culminates in a chilling moment in which the Count, far from being repulsed, exults in the scene and his view of human nature.
Count Joins Franz and Albert, Heads to Piazza del Popolo
The Count arrives at Franz’s rooms and the three men set out for the Piazza del Popolo on foot via the Corso, with the Count’s carriage taking a different route. They pass along the Piazza di Spagna and the Via Frattina, threading between the Fiano and Rospoli palaces. Albert remarks that Italian cigars are poor, and the Count hints that he may visit Paris soon to collect on Albert’s offer of better ones. The tone is convivial as they begin their walk.
Franz Verifies Count’s Identity at Rospoli Palace Windows
Franz steers the conversation toward the windows of the Rospoli Palace, seeking to verify the signal agreed between the man in the mantle and the Transteverine peasant. The Count identifies his windows as the last three, and Franz observes that the side windows are hung with yellow damask while the center one displays white damask and a red cross—exactly as promised. The signal confirms that the Count and the cloaked figure are one and the same.
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