him more of a Muratist
than a Bourbon.'"

"_Per Bacco!_ when your countryman tries to be acute, there is nothing
too hazardous for his imagination; so, then, I am a French spy!"

"'What you say of the army,'" read on Maitland, "'is confirmed by our
other reports. Very few of the line regiments will be faithful to the
monarchy, and even some of the artillery will go over. As to the fleet,
Martin tells me they have not three seaworthy ships in the fifty-seven
they reckon, nor six captains who would undertake a longer voyage than
Palermo. Their only three-decker was afraid to return a salute to the
"Pasha," lest her old thirty-two-pounders should explode; and this is
pretty much the case with the monarchy,--the first shock must shake it,
even though it only come of blank cartridge.

"'While events are preparing, renew all your remonstrances; press upon
Caraffa the number of untried prisoners, and the horrid condition of
the prisons. Ask, of course in a friendly way, when are these abuses
to cease? Say that great hopes of amelioration--speak generally--were
conceived here on the accession of the new King, and throw in our
regrets that the liberty of the press with us will occasionally lead to
strictures whose severities we deplore, without being able to arraign
their justice; and lastly, declare our readiness to meet any commercial
exchanges that might promise mutual advantage. This will suggest the
belief that we are not in any way cognizant of Cavour's projects.
In fact, I will know nothing of them, and hold myself prepared, if
questioned in the House, to have had no other information than is
supplied by the newspapers. Who is Maitland? None of the Maitlands here
can tell me.'" This sentence he read out ere he knew it, and almost
crushed the paper when he had finished in his passion.

"Go on," said Caraffa, as the other ceased to read aloud, while his eyes
ran over the lines,--"go on."

"It is of no moment, or, at least, its interest is purely personal.
His Lordship recommends that I should be bought over, but still left in
intimate relations with your Excellency."

"And I see no possible objection to the plan."

"Don't you, sir?" cried Maitland, fiercely; "then I do. Some little
honor is certainly needed to leaven the rottenness that reeks around
us."

"_Caro Signor Conte_," said the Prince, in an insinuating voice, but of
which insincerity was the strong characteristic, "do not be angry with
my Ultramontane mo