Volume V Part 21 (1/2)
”All the tireatest astonish his eye, which roved from you to ood ain to-morrow I am sure he will have told M Querini that, I am his niece, and consequently not yours
”I expect so, too”
”And if M Querini says as much to me to-morrow, I, expect I shall have to, admit the fact What do you think?”
”You must undoubtedly tell him the truth, but frankly and openly, and so as not to let him think that you have need of him to return to Venice
He is not your father, and has no right over your liberty”
”Certainly not”
”Very good You ree that I am not your uncle, and that the bond between us is, of the most tender description Will, there be any difficulty is that?”
”How can you ask me such a question? The link between us makes me feel proud, and will ever do so”
”Well, well, I say no more I trust entirely in your tact Remember that Querini and no other must take you back to Venice; he hter If he will not consent, you shall not return at all”
”Would to God it were so!”
Early the nextme to call on him, as he wanted to speak toon,” said Marcoline ”I as have taken this turn, for when you coulate ly”
I found Querini and Morosini together They gave me their hands when I ca that there would be nothing in our discussion which M Morosini ht not hear
”I have a confidence to an; ”but first I want you to do me the same favor”
”I can have no secrets froed to you, and will try to deserve your good opinion I beg that you will tellperson who is with you, for no one believes that she is your niece”
”It is true that she is--notacquainted with her relations or family I cannot be said to know her in the sense which your excellency gives to the word Nevertheless, I am proud to confess that I love her with an affection which will not end save withhave you had her?”
”Nearly two ood! How did she fall into your hands?”
”That is a point which only concerns her, and you will allow o on Though you are in love with her, it is very possible that you have neverher family”
”She has told me that she has a father and a mother, poor but honest, but I confess I have never been curious enough to enquire her name I only know her baptismal name, which is possibly not her true one, but it does quite well for iven you her true name”
”Your excellency surprises me! You know her, then?”
”Yes; I did not know her yesterday, but I do noo months
Marcolineyes, it must be she I am now certain that my man is not mad”
”Your man?”