"If I ever saw a man who was so limed that he couldn't help himself,
it's that poor creature of a Marchese! He's caught safe enough, you
may take my word for that, Signor Quinto. He's caught, and can't
budge, I tell you--hand nor foot, body nor soul! Lord bless you, I
know 'em. Why, do you think he'd ever have come near my mistress a
second time if he could have helped himself? He's not like your
young 'uns, who come to amuse themselves. Likely enough, he'd give
half of all he's worth this day never to have set eyes on her; but,
as for giving her up, he could as soon give himself up!"
"Humph!" grunted the old singer, with a shrug, and a sound that was
half a sneer and half a chuckle. "I suppose he don't above half like
the price he has to pay for his plaything! But that don't make it
wise in Bianca to drive him to the wall more than need be. Limed and
caught as he is, he's one that may give her some trouble yet. For my
part, I wish she had not gone on this fool's errand this morning.
Now, I will go and get my breakfast. I shall be back in half-an-
hour. I expect Signor Ercole Stadione here this morning."
Signor Ercole Stadione was the impresario of the Ravenna theatre.
"And if he comes before you are back, Signor Quinto?" asked Gigia.
"If he should come before I am back, let the boy call me from the
cafe.
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