The Direttore begged him to be seated; he showed him the decree, and profited by the moment in which Cassio was looking at the King’s signature to begin:
“Now, I have something else to tell you. Listen and do not judge hastily. I have long been awaiting this moment, and the thing seemed easy, but now I see I need great courage and you great indulgence if we are to understand each other.”
He smiled sadly, and the old expression of suffering returned once more.
Cassio looked at him stupidly, still confused with the weight of his happiness, but beginning to gain his self-control. The other understood that his opportunity was slipping away and hastened to speak, though, in spite of every effort, his voice trembled.
“I scarcely know how to express myself so you may understand everything; but I have confidence in your intelligence. Listen. I have done everything in my power to obtain that piece of paper there”—and he pointed to the decree, and Cassio, following his gesture, sat gazing at the sheet—“and, above all, I did so because I felt you deserved it.” (“Does he know my story?” Cassio asked himself, feeling that his deserts in prison had been very few.) “I do not ask for gratitude, indeed I will be thankful if you will not allow that sentiment to influence you at all. I wish to speak to you as one gentleman to another.” (“Heavens! does he think me a grand Signore and wish to ask me for money?” thought Cassio. “I am not ungrateful, but what can he want of me?”) “Now you are free and are at liberty to act as seems good to you.”
“Speak,” returned the other, with a sad impatience, “whatever lies in my power—”
“I do not know if it lies in your power.”
“Speak! Speak!”
“Listen, but do not ill-judge me, nor think me insane. While reading your sister’s letters, I have learned to appreciate so good and noble a soul, and—” (“Oh, Dio mio! he has fallen in love with her!” cried Cassio to himself, and the world grew suddenly dark.) “I have learned to love her. Do not laugh at me. I am still young!”
But Cassio felt small inclination to laugh.