Summary

Chapter 49 marks the beginning of Section VI of the novel, which takes place in Venice, Italy in 1592. Crivano awakens from a dream and tries to recall what amused him. He left the Morosini house late the previous night. He has trouble differentiating between his imagination and his recollections of the event. He washes in the basin and gets ready to meet at Ciotti’s shop by 12. He was distracted during the Nolan’s presentation because he was preoccupied thinking about Tristao’s theories.

Crivano walks downstairs and asks one of the girls in the parlor if Anzolo has risen. She says no, and Crivano leaves a message with her. He says he will need a gondolier to take him to Murano with his strongbox, and that Anzolo can make the arrangements. Crivano leaves the White Eagle and walks through town. He misses a...