Pagina 545 di 1118

"Now," continued Attilio, "he is more enraged than ever, because

he has failed in a project he had much at heart. It is by this

that your lordship can see what kind of a man he is. He wished to

have this girl married, to remove her from the dangers of the

world, you understand; and he had found his man, a fellow whose

name you have doubtless heard, because I have understood that the

secret council has been obliged to take notice of the worthy

youth."

"Who is he?"

"A silk weaver, Lorenzo Tramaglino, he who--"

"Lorenzo Tramaglino!" cried the count. "Well done, friar!

Truly-now I remember-he had a letter for a-it is a pity that-but

no matter. And pray, why did Don Roderick say nothing of all

this? why did he suffer things to go so far, before he acquainted

one who has the power and the will to support him?"