He informed me that the Cavaliere Cantarini dal Zoffo wished to see me, and would wait for me the next morning at such an hour at the Madonna de l'Orto.

I rose from the table and answered, with a bow, that I would not fail to obey the wishes of his excellency.

The bailiff then left us.
I could not possibly guess what such a high dignitary of State could want with my humble person, yet the message made us rather anxious, for Cantarini dal Zoffo was one of the Inquisitors, that is to say, a bird of very ill omen.

M.de Bragadin, who had been Inquisitor while he was Councillor, and therefore knew the habits of the tribunal, told me that I had nothing to fear.
"Ignacio was dressed in private clothes," he added, "and therefore he did not come as the official messenger of the dread tribunal.

M.Cantarini wishes to speak to you only as a private citizen, as he sends you word to call at his palace and not at the court-house.