rn to
Constantinople, the murderous designs of Antonio and Venturo in respect
to myself, would have hastened my removal at all events to another
lodging. That night sleep never visited my eyes--so amazed and grieved
was I at the calamities which had befallen those who were so dear to
your highness. Very early in the morning I arose from a feverish bed and
sallied forth to learn tidings of the Marquis of Orsini. 'For,' thought
I, 'if this nobleman has escaped arrest by the officers of the
inquisition, he might be enabled to effect somewhat in aiding the female
victims.' But I heard at his dwelling that he had been arrested the
previous evening on a charge of sacrilege, perpetrated with others, in
respect to the Carmelite Convent. Frustrated in this quarter, I repaired
to the principal clerk of the criminal tribunal, and inquired the name
and address of a lawyer of eminence and repute. The clerk complied with
my demand, and recommended me to Angelo Duras, the brother of a
celebrated Florentine physician."

"Both of whom are known to me by name," observed the grand vizier; "and
Angelo Duras is a man of unblemished integrity. It delights me much to
know you employed him."

"I found him, too," continued Demetrius, "a kind-hearted and benevolent
man. He received me with affability; and I narrated to him as much as
necessary of the particulars which I have detailed to your highness.
Without stating by whom I was employed, I merely represented to him that
I was deeply interested in the Francatelli family, and that it was of
the utmost importance to obtain a delay for two or three months in the
criminal proceedings instituted against those innocent females, as, in
the meantime, I should undertake a journey to a place at some
considerable distance, but the result of which would prove materially
beneficial to the cause of the accused. He observed that the interest of
the Count of Arestino, who would doubtless endeavor to hasten the
proceedings in order to wreak speedy vengeance upon his wife and the
Marquis of Orsini, was very powerful to contend against; but that gold
could accomplish much. I assured him that there would be no lack of
funds to sustain even the most expensive process; and I threw down a
heavy purse as an earnest of my ability to bear the cost of the suit. He
committed to paper all the particulars that I had thought it prudent to
reveal to him, and after some consideration, said, 'I now see my way
clearly. I will