"
"Signor Sigismondo, the proposal is fair; it has a touch of reason, I
allow; but unluckily it does not suit my interests. I am engaged in a
delicate mission, and too much time has been already lost by the way to
waste more without good cause. I have great pity for poor Jacques Colis--"
"Ha! thou knowest the sufferer's name, then; thy unlucky tongue hath
betrayed thee, Maso"
Il Maledetto was again troubled. His features betrayed it, for he frowned
like a man who had committed a grave fault in a matter touching an
important interest. His olive complexion changed, and his interrogator
thought that his eye quailed before his own fixed look. But the emotion
was transient, and shuddering, as if to shake off a weakness, his
appearance became once more natural and composed.
"Thou makest no reply?"
"Signore, you have my answer; affairs press, and my visit to the convent
of San Bernardo has been made. I am bound to Aoste, and should be happy to
do your bidding with the worthy Giacomo. I have but a step to make to find
myself in the dominions of the house of Savoy; and, with your leave,
gallant Capitano, I will now take it.
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