"
"Signore, the voice of a Doge of Genoa is not often raised in vain, when
he would use it in behalf of another!"
At this sudden announcement of the traveller's rank, the monks and the
chatelain started in surprise, and a low murmur of wonder was heard in
the chapel. The smile of Peterchen, and the composure of the Baron de
Willading, however, showed that they, at least, learned nothing new. The
bailiff whispered the prior significantly, and from that moment his
deportment towards the Genoese took still more of the character of formal
and official respect. On the other hand, the Signor Grimaldi remained
composed, like one accustomed to receive deference, though his manner lost
the slight degree of restraint that had been imposed by the observance of
the temporary character he had assumed.
"The voice of a Doge of Genoa should not be used in intercession, unless
in behalf of the innocent," he replied, keeping his severe eye fastened on
the countenance of the accused.
Again Il Maledetto seemed laboring with some secret that struggled on his
tongue.
"Speak," continued the Prince of Genoa; for it was, in truth, that high
functionary, who had journeyed incognito, in the hope of meeting his
ancient friend at the sports of Vevey, "Speak, Maso, if thou hast aught
serious to urge in favor of thyself; time presses, and the sight of one to
whom I owe so much in this great jeopardy, without the power to aid him,
grows painful.
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