He told Hieronimo that nothing had occurred that night.

Next day he rose as usual, and returned to the Court, hoping to hear news of Troilo.

In the afternoon, at the Italian theatre, he was informed that an Italian had been murdered, at the instance, it was thought, of the Grand Duke of Florence.

Hieronimo touched his arm, and whispered that he must have done the deed; but Ambrogio denied the fact.

It seems to have been his object to reserve the credit of the murder for himself, and also to avoid the possibility of Hieronimo's treachery in case suspicion fell upon him.