What commands have you then to give me ?" The Marchese took another turn across the room before replying; and the observant lawyer saw him, when his back was turned, pass his hand across his brow, with the action of one ill at ease.

Then resuming his seat, and motioning the lawyer to take a chair, he said--"If you will take a chair, Signor Giovacchino, I will tell you the business for which I have sent for you.

I have thought it my duty--family considerations--in fact, I've been thinking on the subject for a long time--in short, Signor Fortini, I am about to be married." "Whew--w--w!" whistled the lawyer, without the least attempt at concealing the extremity of his astonishment; and pushing back his chair a couple of feet, as he raised his head to stare into his companion's face.
"And pray, Signor, what is there to be astonished at in such an intention ?" said the Marchese, evidently wincing under the lawyer's look.
"I beg your pardon, Signor Marchese, but--the fact is--one is always astonished at what one does not expect, you know.

You may depend on it, I am not one bit more astonished than every human being in Ravenna will be," said the lawyer, looking hard at him.
"I am not aware, Signor Fortini, that I have to answer to any one save myself for the wisdom of my resolution," said the Marchese, with a dignity more like his usual manner than he had yet spoken.
"Certainly not, Signor Marchese.

Certainly not.