“I will have an imperial rescript prepared during the night, ready for signature; and I will proceed immediately after the execution to the palace, magnify the unpopularity which is sure to follow it, lay it all on Fulvius, and show the emperor how his granting the property to the next in the settlement of it, will redound greatly to his credit and glory. He is as vain as he is cruel and rapacious; and one vice must be made to fight another.”
“Nothing could be better, my dear father; I shall retire to rest with an easy mind. To-morrow will be the critical day of my life. All my future depends upon whether I am accepted or rejected.”
“I only wish,” added Tertullus, rising, “that I could have seen this peerless lady, and sounded the depths of her philosophy, before your final bargain was struck.”
“Fear not, father: she is well worthy of being your daughter-in-law. Yes, to-morrow is indeed the turning-point of my fortunes.”
Even Corvinus can have his critical day. Why not Fabiola?
While this domestic interview was going on, a conference was taking place between Fulvius and his amiable uncle. The latter, entering late, found his nephew sitting sullen and alone in the house, and thus accosted him:
“Well, Fulvius, is she secured?”
“She is, uncle, as fast as bars and walls can make her; but her spirit is free and independent as ever.”
“Never mind that: sharp steel makes short work of spirit. Is her fate certain? and are its consequences sure?”
“Why, if nothing else happens, the first is safe; the second have still to encounter imperial caprice. But I own I feel pain and remorse at sacrificing so young a life, and for an insecure result.”