Hoping that his obedience might procure him a third glass, Julio resisted the temptation to gratify himself at once.
In the meantime, Turchi contemplated his servant with a peculiar expression. There was a malicious sparkle in his eye, and a smile of triumph on his lips. He evidently had some purpose in thus watching Julio; but what could be his secret design?
At last he pretended that he was about to take the wine, but by a quick movement he upset it.
With an exclamation of impatience he raised the glass, and said:
"It is a sin to spill such wine. Now I have no more in which to drink your health. Get another bottle, Julio, from the cupboard; it is perhaps the last time that we shall drink together. On the third shelf, the bottle with the long neck."
Julio arose with difficulty from his chair, and staggered to the cupboard.
Simon Turchi thrust his hand in his doublet, and drew out a very small phial. He hastily poured nearly the whole contents into Julio's glass, and immediately concealed the phial; and although he trembled in every limb, he said, calmly:
"A little higher, Julio—to the left; that is the right bottle."
The servant brought the bottle to his master, who uncorked it; but as he was about to pour out the wine, he said:
"Empty your glass, Julio; this is a different wine, and the mixture would spoil both."