exile to
the Marquis? Our life in the country is so sad and melancholy; what can
we offer him as a compensation for the amusements he would sacrifice?"

"Where would be the merit of the service, unless its performance cost
some sacrifice?" said Taddeo. "In one word, this is the state of
affairs. An obligation, my honor imposes on me, requires me for at least
a week to be absent from Sorrento. The trial of Count Monte-Leone will
begin in a few days, and I must be present at it. It is said," added he,
with hesitation and a significant glance at the Marquis, "that the
Count's partisans will on that occasion be active. His enemies too are
numerous, and as he is known to have come to this house, I cannot feel
satisfied unless some courageous and energetic man replaces me, and
deigns to watch over the two dear beings I am forced to leave. This,
Marquis, is what I expect from you."

"My heart, my arm, my life, are all at the ladies' disposal. You may
rely on me."

Aminta looked down, for the first consecration made by Maulear was
evidently intended for her. Taddeo did not remark it, and clasped with
gratitude the hand of his new friend. Signora Rovero, terrified at the
idea of losing her son again, looked sadly at him.

"I do not know what is going on," said she with emotion, and with that
instinct which reveals to a mother the danger of a beloved son. "I
shudder, however, Taddeo, when I see you surrounded by danger. You do
not like the government, I know, for by the fall of Murat a brilliant
career was closed before you, for your father was one of his greatest
favorites. But in your father's name I, your mother, his widow, whose
hope and support you are, beseech you not to expose the life which does
not belong to you alone. Remember, my child, your sister and myself have
no other support in life than yourself, and that my weak and failing
existence could not withstand your loss."

Taddeo grew pale, for the association with which he was affiliated might
expose him to all the dangers of which his mother was apprehensive. He
concealed his agitation by caresses and iterations of love, mentally
resolving to turn aside in time from his sad career, as if those who
involve themselves in perdition can pause in the rapid descent down the
declivity to sorrow and death, whither the sturdiest champions are
hurried to be entombed in the grave they have dug for themselves.

"You will go then to Naples?" said Signora Rovero to her son.