rge, when it occurred to him that, by so doing, he might mortally
offend the Italian--since the cunning never forgive those who refuse to be
duped by them--and it might still be conducive to his interest to preserve
intimate and familiar terms with Riccabocca; therefore, subduing his first
impulse, he exclaimed,

"O, too generous man; pardon me if I have so long been unable to express
my amaze, my gratitude; but I can not--no, I can not, while your prospects
remain thus uncertain, avail myself of your--of your inconsiderate
magnanimity. Your rare conduct can only redouble my own scruples, if you,
as I firmly hope and believe, are restored to your great possessions--you
would naturally look so much higher than me. Should those hopes fail,
then, indeed, it may be different; yet, even then, what position, what
fortune, have _I_ to offer to your daughter worthy of her?"

"You are well born: all gentlemen are equals," said Riccabocca, with a
sort of easy nobleness. "You have youth, information, talent--sources of
certain wealth in this happy country--powerful connections; and, in fine,
if you are satisfied with marrying for love, I shall be contented;--if not,
speak openly. As to the restoration to my possessions, I can scarcely
think that probable while my enemy lives. And even in that case, since I
saw you last, something has occurred (added Riccabocca with a strange
smile, which seemed to Randal singularly sinister and malignant) "that may
remove all difficulties. Meanwhile, do not think me so extravagantly
magnanimous--do not underrate the satisfaction I must feel at knowing
Violante safe from the designs of Peschiera--safe, and for ever, under a
husband's roof. I will tell you an Italian proverb--it contains a truth
full of wisdom and terror:"

" 'Hai cinquanta Amici?--non basta--hai un Nemico?--e troppo.(6)' "

"Something has occurred!" echoed Randal, not heeding the conclusion of
this speech, and scarcely hearing the proverb which the sage delivered in
his most emphatic and tragic tone. "Something has occurred! My dear
friend, be plainer. What has occurred?" Riccabocca remained silent.
"Something that induces you to bestow your daughter on me?"

Riccabocca nodded, and emitted a low chuckle.

"The very laugh of a fiend," muttered Randal. "Something that makes her
not worth bestowing. He betrays himself. Cunning people always do."

"Pardon me," said the Italian at last, "if I do not answer your question;
y