"What do you mean, Benvenuto?"
"That is my secret."
"Oh, if you knew what an absurd figure he cuts when he tries to be tender!" said the volatile creature, incapable of remaining sad five minutes in succession. "And so, naughty man, you are still interested to know whether any one is paying court to your giddy girl? You do still love poor Scozzone a little?"
"Yes. But do not fail to follow the instructions I give you in regard to Pagolo to the letter."
"Oh, don't be afraid! I can play a part as well as another. It won't be long before he will say to me, 'Catherine, are you still cruel?' and I will reply, 'What! again, Monsieur Pagolo?' But in a not very indignant tone, you understand,—encouraging rather. When he sees that I am no longer harsh, he will think he's conquered the world. But what shall you do to him, Benvenuto? When shall you begin to take your revenge upon him? Will it be long drawn out, and very amusing? Shall we laugh?"
"Yes, we shall laugh," Benvenuto replied.
"And you will always love me?"
Benvenuto imprinted an assenting kiss upon her forehead,—the best of all answers, since it answers for everything without answering for anything.
Poor Scozzone did not suspect that Cellini's kiss was the beginning of his vengeance.
The Vicomte de Marmagne's wish that he might find Benvenuto alone was also gratified. This is how it came about.