“No, no, Maitland; don't say this.”
“And why not say it? It is true. You know as well as I do, that amongst that yelling rabble there is none poorer than myself; and for this reason, I repeat, I might have chosen my associates more wisely. You yourself saw the treatment I met with this morning.”
“Ay, but bear in mind, Maitland, what was the provocation you gave. It is no small thing to tell a king, surrounded by his ministers and generals, that he has not one loyal and true man in his train; that, what between treachery and cowardice, he will find himself alone, at the head of a few foreign regiments, who will only fight to cut their way through towards home.”
“I scarcely went so far as this,” said Maitland, smiling.
“Did you not, per Bacco! I was there and heard you. You accused Laguila to his face of being bought, and named the sum; and you told Cadorno that you had a copy of his letter promising to surrender the flag-ship to Garibaldi.”
“And they listened to me with an admirable patience.”
“I don't know that; I am certain Cadorno will send you a message before the week is over.”
“And why not before the day was over? Are these accusations a man sleeps upon?”
“The King commanded them both to reply to your charges formally and distinctly, but not with the sword; and he was right so far.”
“At all events, was it kingly to tell me of the favors that had been bestowed upon me, and to remind me that I was an alien, and unknown?”