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"It is well you have given the constable his message," said the

count; "this great empty-headed, obstinate proser of a podestà is

however a man who knows his duty, and we must be careful not to

place him in difficulty. If a fellow of a constable makes a

deposition, the podestà, however well intentioned, is obliged

to--"

"But you," interrupted Don Roderick, with a little warmth,-"you

spoil my affairs, by contradicting him, and laughing at him on

every occasion. Why the devil can't you suffer a magistrate to be

an obstinate beast, while in other things that suit our

convenience he is an honest man?"

"Do you know, cousin," said the count, regarding him with an

expression of affected surprise, "do you know that I begin to

think you capable of fear? You take the podestà and myself to be

in earnest."

"Well, well, have not you yourself said that we should be

careful?"