The Marchese di Castelmare clear himself!
Well, I've lived to see a many things, but I never thought to see
the day that such people should dare to meddle with a Castelmare."
"The Marchese Ludovico himself thought fit to go to them to give
explanations."
"Ah! He'd have done better to take no notice of 'em, to my
thinking," said the old man, shaking his head. "But is it true,
Signor Giovacchino, what people say, that--?"
"There is mostly very little truth in what people say, Nanni,"
interrupted the lawyer. "But I'll tell you what: a good servant
should hear all and repeat nothing. It's natural that such an old
friend as you should want to know all about it, and to you I shan't
mind telling the whole story as soon as I know the rights of it
myself. But it vexes me to see the Marchese so put out about it; and
then I don't think he has been quite well latterly."
"Nothing like well, these days past, Signor Giovacchino. The
Marchese has not been like himself noways. I think he is far from
well."
"Does he get his rest at night? That is a great thing at his time of
life. He seems to me like a man who has not had his natural sleep. I
suppose he went to bed when he came home from the ball?"
"Yes, directly. He seemed in a hurry like to get to bed. When he was
about half undressed he said it was time I was in bed myself, and
sent me away, and I heard him lock the door.
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