The lawyer saw at once that something was the matter; and thought that, in all probability, the Marchese Lamberto had been already forestalling him, by speaking to his nephew himself on the subject of his projected marriage.
"Oh, Signor Ludovico," said Fortini, as he met him, "I was on my way, to the Circolo, on purpose to see if I could meet with you there." "Why, what is it?
Have you any news to tell me ?" said the young man in a hurried manner, that the lawyer thought odd.
"Yes.

I wished to speak to you on rather an important matter.

Have you seen the Marchese Lamberto this morning ?" "No.

I have been out of the town.

I am but this moment come back," replied Ludovico, evidently anxiously.
"I should be glad to speak to you for a few minutes before you go to the Palazzo Castelmare.