Pagina 316 van 1118

"The friar's hand is in this business," said his cousin, after

having heard him through: "this friar, with his playing at

bo-peep, and giving advice; I know him for a busybody and a

rascal! And you did not confide in me, and tell me what brought

him here the other day to trifle with you. If I had been in your

place he should not have gone out as he came in, of that be

assured."

"What! would you wish me to incur the resentment of all the

capuchins in Italy?"

"In such a moment," said the count, "I should have forgotten

there was any other capuchin in the world than this daring

rascal; but the means are not wanting, within the pale of

prudence, to take satisfaction even of a capuchin. It is well for

him that he has escaped the punishment best suited to him; but I

take him henceforth under my protection, and will teach him how

to speak to his superiors."

"Do not make matters worse."

"Trust me for once; I will serve you as a relation and a friend."

"What do you mean to do?"