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He had been sent on an embassy to Madrid! And to hear him

describe his reception there! Among other honours, the count-duke

had treated him with particular attention, had admitted him to

his confidence, so far as to ask him in the presence of the whole

court, _if he were pleased with Madrid? and to tell him on

another occasion, at a window, that the cathedral of Milan was

the most magnificent church in the king's dominions_.

After having paid his duty to the count, and presented the

compliments of his cousin, Attilio, with a seriousness which he

knew well how to assume, said, "I believe it to be my duty to

inform the signor, my uncle, of an affair in which Roderick is

concerned, and which requires the interference of your lordship

to avert the serious consequences that--"

"Ah! one of his pranks, I suppose."

"In truth, I must say that the injury has not been committed by

Roderick, but he is exasperated, and none but my uncle can--"

"What is it? what is it?"