"The examination of the fisherman hath recalled scenes of my boyhood,"
he answered, with a touch of nature that seldom found place in that
chamber.
"I heard thee say he was thy foster-brother," returned the other,
struggling to conceal a gape.
"We drank of the same milk, and, for the first years of life, we spoiled
at the same games."
"These imaginary kindred often give great uneasiness. I am glad your
trouble hath no other source, for I had heard that the young heir of
your house hath shown a prodigal disposition of late, and I feared that
matter might have come to your knowledge, as one of the council, that a
father might not wish to learn."
The selfish features of the Signor Gradenigo instantly underwent a
change. He glanced curiously, and with a strong distrust, but in a
covert manner, at the fallen eyes of his two companions, anxious to
penetrate their secret thoughts ere he ventured to expose his own.
"Is there aught of complaint against the youth?" he demanded in a voice
of hesitation. "You understand a father's interest, and will not conceal
the truth."
"Signore, you know that the agents of the police are active, and little
that comes to their knowledge fails to reach the ears of the council.
But, at the worst, the matter is not of life or death. It can only cost
the inconsiderate young man a visit to Dalmatia, or an order to waste
the summer at the foot of the Alps.
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