A movement of common interest made itself apparent among the auditors.
"Dost thou know where the Don Camillo Monforte is at present."
Jacopo hesitated. He so well understood the means of intelligence possessed by the Council, that he doubted how far it might be prudent to deny his connexion with the flight of the lovers. Besides, at that moment, his mind was deeply impressed with a holy sentiment of truth.
"Canst thou say, why the young duca is not to be found in his palace?" repeated the secretary.
"Illustrissimo, he hath quitted Venice for ever."
"How canst thou know this?—Would he make a confidant of a common Bravo?"
The smile which crossed the features of Jacopo was full of superiority; it caused the conscious agent of the Secret Tribunal to look closely at his papers, like one who felt its power.
"Art thou his confidant—I ask again?"
"Signore, in this, I am—I have the assurance from the mouth of Don Camillo Monforte himself, that he will not return."
"This is impossible, since it would involve a loss of all his fair hopes and illustrious fortunes."