'Alas! your Excellenza,' said I to the magistrate, 'frail is the tenure of that character, which has Innocence for its friend, and Infamy for its foe. Life is a chequered scene of light and shade; life is a jest, a stage——'
'Talking of life is not the way to save it,' said the magistrate. 'Less sentiment and more point, if you please.'
I was silent, but looked anxiously towards the door.
'Are you meditating an escape?' asked he.
'No,' said I, 'but just wait a little, and you shall see what an interesting turn affairs will take.'
'Come,' cried he, 'proceed at once, or say you will not.'
'Ah, now,' said I, 'can't you stop one moment, and not spoil everything by your impatience. I am only watching for the tall, elegant young stranger, with an oval face, who is to enter just at this crisis, and snatch me from perdition.'
'Did he promise to come?' said the magistrate.
'Not at all,' answered I, 'for I have never seen the man in my life. But whoever rescues me now, you know, is destined to marry me hereafter. That is the rule.'
'You are an impudent minx,' said the magistrate, 'and shall pay dear for your jocularity. Have you parents?'