Attributing, therefore, the state of utter moral
prostration, mixed with a kind of restless nervous agitation, in
which he found him, to the consciousness of the terrible results he
was about to bring upon himself by the folly he had decided on
committing, the lawyer could not prevent the thought occurring to
him that were it not for the dreadful circumstances that seemed to
bring home the suspicion of murder to the Marchese Ludovico, the
tidings he brought of the death of the unfortunate woman would be,
if not a relief at the moment, yet the most fortunate exit for the
Marchese from the position he had made for himself.
"Good-evening, Signor Giovacchino. You have come, of course, to ask
whether the representations you made to me this morning have availed
to induce me to waver in the purpose I announced to you," said the
Marchese, scarcely looking up so as to meet the eye of the lawyer.
"Signor Marchese," returned Fortini, "it is my turn this time to
communicate to you intelligence which will strike you, I fear, to
the full as painfully as I was struck by what you told me this
morning." The Marchese started; and the lawyer observed that the
start seemed to continue and propagate itself, as it were, into a
tremor, that ran through all his person, as he said, with chattering
teeth: "What do you mean? Has anything happened?--anything--out of
the common way, eb?--eh?--what--what is it?"
"That has happened, Signor Marchese, which makes all further
consideration of the step you confided to me your intention of
taking this morning unnecessary.
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