Don Silverio had been in the world of men, and unconsciously he had adopted their phraseology and their manner. To Adone, who had expected some miracle, some rescue almost archangelic, some promise of immediate and divine interposition, these calm and rational statements conveyed scarcely any sense, so terrible was the destruction of his hopes. All the trust and candour and sweetness of his nature turned to gall.
He listened, a sullen, savage darkness stealing over his countenance.
"And our rights? Theirs? — mine?" he said as Don Silverio paused.
"For all rights taken away they will give legal compensation."
"You dare repeat that, sir?"
Don Silverio controlled his indignation with difficulty.
"I dare do whatever I deem right to do. You should know that by this time."
"You think this right?"
"I think it right to repeat exactly what has been said to me. I do not of necessity approve because I repeat."
"You know no compensation is possible!"