Nevertheless, it was not the last time that the
thought recurred.
The next morning he met his uncle.
"I had Stadione with me yesterday evening," said the Marchese, "and
I wanted to speak to you about something he said. I was sorry to be
told that you were not at the Circolo."
"I was sorry that Beppo did not find me. What was it? Signor Ercole
has succeeded in his mission, I hear."
"Yes; and it was on that matter I wanted to speak to you; but this
morning will do as well for that. It was not that that vexed me,
Ludovico. I won't ask you to tell me where you were, and I don't
want to play the inquisitor; but the fact is, I know very well
without asking. And, my dear nephew, I cannot but tell you that you
are acting unwisely,--imprudently even."
"What have I done that is wrong, sir? Is it not fitting that I
should show some attention to people, who came here recommended to
you, and whom you yourself first commissioned me to assist?" said
Ludovico.
"What is the good of answering in that way, Ludovico. Just as if we
both did not know better than that, and know too what we both mean?
Pay some attention! Pshaw! Do you think that I am quite a fool? As
if I did not know what you go there for, and what you have been
going there for these eight months past, since first I was blockhead
enough to throw that pretty girl in your way.
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