Maestro Guglielmi, whose age might be about forty, was a man, once seen, not easily forgotten—­a tall, slight man of quick subtile movements, that betrayed the devouring activity within.  Maestro Guglielmi had a perfectly colorless face, a prominent, eager nose, thin lips, that perpetually unclosed to a ghostly smile in which the other features took no part; a brow already knitted with those fine wrinkles indicative of constant study, and overhanging eyebrows that framed a pair of eyes that read you like a book.  It would have been a bold man who, with those eyes fixed on him, would have told a lie to Maestro Guglielmi, advocate in the High Court of Lucca.  If any man had so lied, those eyes would have gathered up the light, and flashed it forth again in lightnings that might consume him.  That they were dark and flaming, and greatly dreaded by all on whom Guglielmi fixed them in opposition, was generally admitted by his legal compeers.

“Reverend sir,” began Maestro Guglielmi, blandly, stepping up to where the priest stood a little apart, and speaking in a metallic voice audible in any court of law, be it ever so closely packed—­“it gratifies me much that chance has so ordered it that we two are left alone.”  Guglielmi took out his watch.  “We have a good half-hour to spare.”

Fra Pacifico turned, and for the first time contemplated the lawyer attentively.  As he did so, he noted with surprise the power of his eyes.

“I earnestly desire some conversation with you,” continued Guglielmi, the semblance of a smile flitting over his hard face.  “Can we speak here securely?” And the lawyer glanced round at the various doors, and particularly to an open one, which led from the sala to the chapel, at the farther end of the house.  Fra Pacifico moved forward and closed it.

“You are quite safe—­say what you please,” he answered, bluntly.  His frank nature rose involuntarily against the cunning of Guglielmi’s look and manner.  “We have no spies here.”

“Pardon me, I did not mean to insinuate that.  But what I have to say is strictly private.”

Fra Pacifico eyed Guglielmi with no friendly expression.

“I know you well by repute, reverend sir”—­with one comprehensive glance Guglielmi seemed to take in Fra Pacifico mentally and physically—­“therefore it is that I address myself to you.”

The priest crossed his arms and bowed.

“The marchesa has confided to me the charge of this most delicate case.  Hitherto I have conducted it with success.  It is not my habit to fail.  I have succeeded in convincing Count Nobili’s lawyer, and through him Count Nobili himself, that it would be suicidal to his interests should he not make good the marriage-contract with the Marchesa Guinigi’s niece.  If Count Nobili refuses, he must leave the country.  He has established himself in Lucca, and desires, as I understand, to remain there.  My noble client has done me the honor to inform me that she is acquainted with, and