"Letters," said Riccabocca, simply--"I never receive any; or, at least, so
rarely, that it was not worth while to take an event so little to be
expected into consideration. No; if any letters do reach the Casino, there
they will wait."

"Then I can see no possibility of indiscretion; no chance of a clew to
your address."

"No I either."

Satisfied so far, and knowing that it was not in Riccabocca's habits to
read the newspapers, by which he might otherwise have learnt of
L'Estrange's arrival in London, Randal then proceeded to inquire, with
much seeming interest, into the health of Violante--hoped it did not suffer
by confinement, &c. Riccabocca eyed him gravely while he spoke, and then
suddenly rising, that air of dignity to which I have before referred,
became yet more striking.

"My young friend," said he, "hear me attentively, and answer me frankly. I
know human nature."--Here a slight smile of proud complacency passed the
sage's lips, and his eye glanced toward his Machiavel.

"I know human nature--at least I have studied it," he renewed, more
earnestly, and with less evident self-conceit, "and I believe that when a
perfect stranger to me exhibits an interest in my affairs, which occasions
him no small trouble--an interest (continued the wise man, laying his hand
upon Randal's shoulder) which scarcely a son could exceed, he must be
under the influence of some strong personal motive."

"Oh, sir!" cried Randal, turning a shade more pale, and with a faltering
tone. Riccabocca surveyed him with the tenderness of a superior being, and
pursued his deductive theories.

"In your case, what is that motive? Not political; for I conclude you
share the opinions of your government, and those opinions have not favored
mine. Not that of pecuniary or ambitious calculations; for how can such
calculations enlist you on behalf of a ruined exile? What remains? Why the
motive which at your age is ever the most natural, and the strongest. I
don't blame you. Machiavel himself allows that such a motive has swayed
the wisest minds, and overturned the most solid states. In a word, young
man, you are in love, and with my daughter Violante."

Randal was so startled by this direct and unexpected charge upon his own
masked batteries, that he did not even attempt his defense. His head
drooped on his breast, and he remained speechless.

"I do not doubt," resumed the penetrating judge of human nature, "that you
would have been withheld