Could he venture even to accept
the high distinction offered to him? Would there not be something
dishonourable--a sort of treachery in suffering this mark of the
Holy Father's special favour to be bestowed upon him, while he was
meditating to do that which, if his intention were known, would make
it quite impossible that any such honour should be conferred on him?
And how fair was life before him, as it would be if only this fatal
woman had never crossed his path? And was it not even yet in his own
power to make it equally fair again? Was it not sufficient for him
to will that it should be so?
What if he never saw Bianca again? What could avail any nonsense she
or her pretended father might talk of him? If they were to declare
on the house-tops that he had promised marriage to La Lalli, what
human being in all the city would believe them? The very notion that
such a thing could be possible would be treated as the impudent
invention of people who clearly had not the smallest knowledge of
the man they were attempting to practise on. No, he had but to will
it to be free. If only he could will it.
And with these thoughts passing through his mind he entered the
receiving-room of the Legate.
It was impossible to be received more cordially than he was by that
high dignitary. His Eminence felt sure that his old acquaintance and
highly-valued good friend the Marchese was aware how great his (the
Cardinal's) pleasure had been in discharging the duty that had
devolved upon him.
Pages:
380
381
382
383
384
385
386
387
388
389
390
391
392
393
394
395
396
397
398
399
400
401
402
403
404