And, indeed, Montano, in the furtherance of his corroding policy, had spared him no evidences of court scandal.
Carlo hung his bullet head.
'Lucia!' cried the boy suddenly and sternly.
The girl, at the word, came slinking to him like a dog, setting her teeth by the way at the stranger. Bernardo put his hand on her lowered head.
'Dost know who this is?' he asked of Carlo.
'Why, I can guess.'
'Canst thou, and still talk of Bona's penitence? Here's proof of it—in this foul deed unexpiated. Was it ever meant it should be?'
He raised his arm denunciatory.
'They have used me to justify their abominations; they have made mine innocence a pander to their lusts. Beware! God's patience nears exhaustion. We wait for Tassino. Will he come? Not while lewd arms imprison and protect him. Talk to me of Bona! Go, child.'
The girl crept back to her former seat. Carlo burst out, low and urgent:—