Pagina 548 di 1118

"Well, well, you two will be always friends, until one of you

become prudent. Ever in fault, and relying on me to repair it!

You give me more trouble than all the affairs of state!"

continued he, with an expression of grave importance.

Attilio proffered a few more excuses, promises, and compliments,

and took his leave, with a parting injunction from his uncle _to

be prudent_!

CHAPTER XIX.

The signor count formed the resolution to make use of the father

provincial to cut the knot of these perplexities; whether he

would have thought of this, had it not been suggested by Attilio,

it is impossible to determine, inasmuch as he would never have

acknowledged this to be the case. It was important that one of

his family, his nephew, should not be obliged to yield in an open

controversy; it was a point essential to the reputation of his

power, which he had so much at heart. The satisfaction which his

nephew might himself take of his adversary would be a remedy

worse than the disease. Should he order him to leave his castle,

when obedience would seem like flying from the field of battle?

Legal force could have no power over the capuchin; the clergy

were entirely exempt from secular jurisdiction. All that he could

attempt against such an adversary was to endeavour to have him

removed and the power to do this rested with the father

provincial.