"Very well, Signor. I can say what I have to say in the street as
well as anywhere else. Though I confess I expected a somewhat more
ready reception of information which concerns you nearly, Signor
Marchese, and which I am prompted to tell you by my interest in your
welfare. Listen! Your uncle sent for me this morning for the purpose
of announcing to me his intention of marrying this Bianca Lalli!"
"So I have been told this very morning," said Ludovico.
"I thought you said that you had not seen your uncle this morning!"
returned the lawyer.
"No more I have; but are there not two persons from whom such an
intention may be learned?" said Ludovico, with a slight approach to
a sneer.
"The lady, you mean?" said Fortini.
"Exactly so--the lady!" rejoined Ludovico.
"The lady herself told you that the Marchese Lamberto had proposed
marriage to her?" persisted the lawyer.
"The lady herself told me so," replied the Marchese.
"But I thought you said that you had only just now returned to the
city?" objected the lawyer again.
"Really, Signor Fortini, one would think that I was being examined
before a police-magistrate! However, since my tongue has let the cat
out of the bag, you may take the creature, and make the most of her!
I did receive the intelligence in question from the lady concerned,
and I have just returned to the city.
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