Of course when a man speaks as Signor Fortini spoke to the Marchese, he does it not without some hope that his words may produce an effect on the person he addresses.  But the lawyer had not much expectation that in the present case what he said would be listened to.  He spoke more for the discharge of his own conscience, and because the feelings he expressed were strong within him, than for any other reason.  And he fully expected that he should be answered with words of anger and uncompromising rejection of his interference.

It was not without considerable surprise, therefore, that he heard the Marchese’s moderate answer to the strong opposition he had offered to his intention.  “Well, Signor Fortini, I cannot doubt that what you have said has been, at all events, dictated by a strong regard for my welfare, as you understand it.  I have, as I told you, made up my mind upon the subject.  Nevertheless, counsel cannot but be useful, and it is well not to be precipitate.  I will, therefore, so far accept your advice as to promise you that I will give myself time to deliberate yet further on the step.  In the meantime you will note that my first communication to you on the subject was made on this first day of Lent; so that when I again seek your assistance in the matter, you will know that I have at least not acted in a hurry, but have given myself due time for mature reflection.”

“I am delighted, Signor Marchese, to have obtained from you at least thus much.  It is at all events something gained.  And I shall still hope, that further reflection may lead you to change your purpose.  Hoping that, I shall, you may depend upon it, breathe no word of what you have said to me to any living soul.  But you must understand that, without such hope, I should have deemed it my duty to speak on the subject with the Marchese Ludovico.”

“How so, Signor Fortini?  A lawyer—­”

“Very true, Signor Marchese.  A lawyer, as you would observe, is addressed by his client in confidence, and the confidence should be sacred.  But you must remember that I have the honour to act in this, as I and my father have done on all other occasions for now three generations, not only for your lordship, but for the whole of the family.  I am the legal adviser of the Marchese Ludovico, as I was his father’s, and as I am yours.  It is my duty, therefore, as I understand it, to look upon myself as bound to consider the welfare and interests of the entire family; and I need not remark to you how cruelly those of the Marchese Ludovico would be compromised by such an event as we were contemplating just now.”

“With regard to speaking to my nephew on the subject, Signor Fortini, I can have no objection to your doing so, if you think it your duty.  He will, of course, be informed of my intention by myself.  Do not forget, however, that my first communication to you on this subject was on the first day of Lent, Ash Wednesday.”