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"He takes pleasure, and he tells it to every one, he takes the

more pleasure in vexing Roderick, because he has a protector as

powerful as your lordship; he laughs at the nobility, and at

diplomatists, and exults at the thought, that the girdle of Saint

Francis can tie up all the swords, and that--"

"Oh! the presumptuous man! what is his name?"

"Friar Christopher, of ***," said Attilio. The count drew his

portfolio towards him, and inscribed the name.

Meanwhile, Attilio proceeded: "He has always had this character;

his life is well known; he was a plebeian, and having some

wealth, wished to associate with gentlemen, and not being able to

succeed, killed one of them for rage; and to escape the gallows

he assumed the habit of a friar."

"Bravo! well done! we will see, we will see," said the count in a

fume.