CHAPTER XIII.
A MYSTERY SOLVED.
Whether Basterga, seeing that Claude was less pliant than he had looked to find him, shunned occasion of collision with him, or the Paduan being in better spirits was less prone to fall foul of his companions, certain it is that life for a time after the outbreak at supper ran more quietly in the house in the Corraterie.

Claude's gloomy face--he had not forgiven--bade beware of him; and little save on the subject of Louis' disfigured cheek--of which the most pointed questions could extract no explanation--passed among them at table.

But outward peace was preserved and a show of ease.

Grio's brutal nature broke out once or twice when he had had wine; but discouraged by Basterga, he subsided quickly.

And Louis, starting at a voice and trembling at a knock, with the fear of the Syndic always upon him, showed a nervousness which more than once drew the Italian's eye to him.