Besides, at that
moment, his mind was deeply impressed with a holy sentiment of truth.
"Canst thou say, why the young duca is not to be found in his palace?"
repeated the secretary.
"Illustrissimo, he hath quitted Venice for ever."
"How canst thou know this?--Would he make a confidant of a common
Bravo?"
The smile which crossed the features of Jacopo was full of superiority;
it caused the conscious agent of the Secret Tribunal to look closely at
his papers, like one who felt its power.
"Art thou his confidant--I ask again?"
"Signore, in this, I am--I have the assurance from the mouth of Don
Camillo Monforte himself, that he will not return."
"This is impossible, since it would involve a loss of all his fair
hopes and illustrious fortunes."
"He consoled himself, Signore, with the possession of the heiress of
Tiepolo's love, and with her riches."
Again there was a movement among the Three, which all their practised
restraint, and the conventional dignity of their mysterious functions,
could not prevent.
"Let the keepers withdraw," said the inquisitor of the scarlet robe. So
soon as the prisoner was alone with the Three, and their permanent
officer, the examination continued; the Senators themselves, trusting to
the effect produced by their masks, and some feints, speaking as
occasion offered.
"This is important intelligence that thou hast communicated, Jacopo,"
continued he of the robe of flame.
Pages:
469
470
471
472
473
474
475
476
477
478
479
480
481
482
483
484
485
486
487
488
489
490
491
492
493