to the general with an air of freedom, yet of regard;
to my Jeronymo, with the tenderness due to our friendship, and
congratulated him on seeing him out of his chamber. His kind eyes
glistened with pleasure; yet it was easy to read a mixture of pain in
them; which grew stronger as the first emotions at seeing me enter, gave
way to reflection.

The Conte della Porretta seemed to measure me with his eye.

I addressed myself to Father Marescotti, and made my particular
acknowledgments to him for the favour of his visit, and what had passed
in it. He looked upon me with pleasure; probably with the more, as this
was a farewell visit.

The two ladies whispered, and looked upon me, and seemed to bespeak each
other's attention to what passed.

Signor Sebastiano placed himself next to Jeronymo, and often whispered
him, and as often cast his eye upon me. He was partial to me, I believe,
because my generous friend seemed pleased with what he said.

His brother, Signor Juliano, sat on the other hand of me. They are
agreeable and polite young gentlemen.

A profound silence succeeded the general compliments.

I addressed myself to the marquis: Your lordship, and you, madam, turning
to the marchioness, I hope will excuse me for having requested of you the
honour of being once more admitted to your presence, and to that of three
brothers, for whom I shall ever retain the most respectful affection. I
could not think of leaving a city, where one of the first families in it
has done me the highest honour, without taking such a leave as might shew
my gratitude.--Accept, my lords, bowing to each; accept, madam, more
profoundly bowing to the marchioness, my respectful thanks for all your
goodness to me. I shall, to the end of my life, number most of the days
that I have passed at Bologna among its happiest, even were the remainder
to be as happy as man ever knew.

The marquis said, We wish you, chevalier, very happy; happier than--He
sighed, and was silent.

His lady only bowed. Her face spoke distress. Her voice was lost in
sighs, though she struggled to suppress them.

Chevalier, said the bishop, with an air of solemnity, you have given us
many happy hours: for them we thank you. Jeronymo, for himself, will say
more: he is the most grateful of men. We thank you also for what you
have done for him.

I cannot, said Jeronymo, express suitably my gratitude: my prayers, my
vows, shall follow you whithersoever you go, best of friend