The six sisters of the valleys : an historical romance - University Library

334 THE SIX SISTERS OF THE VALLEYS.
" It's as much as my life is worth to
disobey orders, and you know Pianesse's
character."
" I fear," said Malvicino, in a trembling
voice, "that the dead man's ghost will
come to-night, and your prisoner will haunt
you all your life, and be present with you
on your death-bed. Oh, I myself feel in a
cold sweat. Here I have a flask of prime
Monte Fiaschoni, let me give you some to
comfort you."
" Ah, that's fine stuff, that warms me
thank you, Holy Father."
"And yet you do not wish the poor
wretch inside to have a drop of this to
strengthen his nerves, nor to have my
spiritual consolation for his soul."
" I should not mind ; only I am afraid."
"Afraid! Of what?"
" Of the Marquis finding it out, and
then I shall be a lost man."
" He'll never hear it ; why should he ?
You're in much more danger from this
;