“Your horse may break its neck,” replied the Marchese. “You too; intentionally, perhaps.”
“Anyhow,” said the Abbate indignantly, “the Lieutenant cannot get the money here by magic.”
The two Ricardis laughed; but instantly restrained their mirth.
Olivo once more addressed the Marchese. “It is plain that you must grant Lieutenant Lorenzi leave to depart.”
“Yes, if he gives me a pledge,” exclaimed the Marchese with flashing eyes, as if this idea gave him peculiar delight.
“That seems rather a good plan,” said Casanova, a little absent-mindedly, for his scheme was ripening.
Lorenzi drew a ring from his finger and flicked it across the table.
The Marchese took it up, saying: “That is good for a thousand.”
“What about this one?” Lorenzi threw down another ring in front of the Marchese.
The latter nodded, saying: “That is good for the same amount.”