"So you will not answer when I speak to you, eh?"
"I am at your lordship's command. I did not know that you wished to speak to me."
"You know my situation, I suppose? What do you think of it? What ought I to do?"
"In such a case, my lord, it is as difficult to give advice as to take it."
"I have resolved to appear to the citation."
"Really, my lord?"
"I have nothing to fear. I feel that my cause is just."
"No doubt; but it does not follow that you will get justice because your cause is just. In this world anything is possible."
Banfi understood the allusion. He had formerly said the very same words to the bishop, and now he had not even sufficient strength of mind to leave him and go on his way defiantly; on the contrary, he dallied with him for some time longer.
"The Prince indeed is my enemy; but the Princess has always defended me, and I have every confidence in her Highness."