“Yes; and I also wished to see Signor Stephano Verrina for another motive,” exclaimed Manuel emphatically.
“Ah! then you know me, my lord?” said the bandit. “And yet methought I was a stranger to you, although you were none to me at the casino.”
“You were a stranger until now,” continued Orsini; “but Isaachar knew by the knock which you dealt so lustily on his door, who was his visitor.”
“And your lordship was desirous to see me?”
“Very much so. I believe you expressed a similar wish?”
“Precisely, my lord,” returned Stephano. “But as you hold the higher rank in the world, precedence in the way of explanation belongs to your lordship.”
“It is rather an explanation which I seek, than one which I have to give,” rejoined Manuel, in a cold but resolute manner. “In a word, my business with thee is touching the diamonds of the Duchess of Arestino.”
“And my business with your lordship is touching the countess herself,” observed Verrina, also in a cool and deliberate manner.
“Ah!” cried the marquis, with a sudden start.
“Yes, my lord. But this is no place for explanations on that head,” added Stephano, glancing toward the Jew.