"I am sincerely grateful for your kind offices," he said, as Spicca took leave of him.
"You shall be amply revenged of the two attempts to murder you," said Spicca, quietly; and so, having shaken hands with all, he again entered the carriage. It was the last they saw of him for a long time. He faithfully fulfilled his programme. He met Casalverde on the following morning at seven o'clock, and at precisely a quarter past, he left him dead on the field. He breakfasted with his seconds at half-past eight, and left Rome with them for Paris at ten o'clock. He had selected two French officers who were about to return to their home, in order not to inconvenience any of his friends by obliging them to leave the country; which showed that, even in moments of great excitement, Count Spicca was thoughtful of others.
When the surgeon had dressed Giovanni's wounds, he left the father and son together. Giovanni lay upon a couch in his own sitting-room, eating his breakfast as best he could with one hand. The old Prince paced the floor, commenting from time to time upon the events of the morning.
"It is just as well that you did not kill him, Giovanni," he remarked; "it would have been a nuisance to have been obliged to go away just now."
Giovanni did not answer.
"Of course, duelling is a great sin, and is strictly forbidden by our religion," said the Prince suddenly. "But then—"
"Precisely," returned Giovanni. "We nevertheless cannot always help ourselves."
"I was going to say," continued his father, "that it is, of course, very wicked, and if one is killed in a duel, one probably goes straight into hell. But then—it was worth something to see how you sent that fellow's foil flying through the window!"
"It is a very simple trick. If you will take a foil, I will teach it to you."
"Presently, presently; when you have finished your breakfast. Tell me, why did you say, 'more broken glass'?"