Pagina 647 di 1118

The Cardinal Frederick was engaged in study, as was his custom,

preparatory to the hour of divine service, when the cross-bearer

entered, with a disturbed and unquiet air.

"A strange visit,-strange indeed, most illustrious signor."

"From whom?" asked the cardinal.

"From the signor --," replied the chaplain; pronouncing the name

which we are unable to repeat to our readers. "He is without, in

person, and asks admittance to the presence of your lordship."

"Indeed!" said the cardinal, closing his book and rising from his

seat, his countenance brightening; "let him come in, let him come

in immediately."

"But--," replied the chaplain, "does your lordship know who this

man is? It is the famous outlaw --."

"And is it not a happy circumstance for a bishop, that such a man

should have come to seek him?"