Among these came the Duke of Sant' Agata, who,
though an alien to the laws of the Republic, being of so illustrious
descent, and of claims so equitable, was received among the senators, in
their moments of ease, as a welcome sharer in this vain distinction. He
entered the Broglio at the wonted hour, and with his usual composure,
for he trusted to his secret influence at Rome, and something to the
success of his rivals, for impunity. Reflection had shown Don Camillo
that, as his plans were known to the council, they would long since have
arrested him had such been their intention; and it had also led him to
believe that the most efficient manner of avoiding the personal
consequences of his adventure was to show confidence in his own power to
withstand them. When he appeared, therefore, leaning on the arm of a
high officer of the papal embassy, and with an eye that spoke assurance
in himself, he was greeted, as usual, by all who knew him, as was due to
his rank and expectations. Still Don Camillo walked among the patricians
of the Republic with novel sensations. More than once he thought he
detected, in the wandering glances of those with whom he conversed,
signs of their knowledge of his frustrated attempt; and more than once,
when he least suspected such scrutiny, his countenance was watched, as
if the observer sought some evidence of his future intentions. Beyond
this none might have discovered that an heiress of so much importance
had been so near being lost to the state, or, on the other hand, that a
bridegroom had been robbed of his bride.
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