He himself was indeed deeply implicated in the plots of the Italian party; but he was only employed as a spy, and in reality knew no more of the real intentions of those he served than did Donna Tullia herself.

But the position was sufficiently lucrative; so much so that he had been obliged to account for his accession of fortune by saying that an uncle of his had died and left him money.
"If you expected Don Giovanni to join a mob of students in tearing up paving-stones and screaming 'Vive la Republique!' I am not surprised that you are disappointed in your expectations," said Donna Tullia, rather scornfully.
"That is only Gouache's idea of a popular movement," answered Del Ferice.
"And yours," returned Anastase, lowering his mahl-stick and brushes, and turning sharply upon the Italian--"yours would be to begin by stabbing Cardinal Antonelli in the back." "You mistake me, my friend," returned Del Ferice, blandly.

"If you volunteered to perform that service to Italy, I would certainly not dissuade you.

But I would certainly not offer you my assistance." "Fie! How can you talk like that of murder!" exclaimed Donna Tullia.

"Go on with your painting, Gouache, and do not be ridiculous." "The question of tyrannicide is marvellously interesting," answered Anastase in a meditative tone, as he resumed his work, and glanced critically from Madame Mayer to his canvas and back again.
"It belongs to a class of actions at which Del Ferice rejoices, but in which he desires no part," said Donna Tullia.
"It seems to me wiser to contemplate accomplishing the good result without any unnecessary and treacherous bloodshed," answered Del Ferice, sententiously.