Page:Hoffmann's Strange Stories - Hoffman - 1855.djvu/270

 said Pasquale, trying to save his legs from the torture that Nicolo was inflicting upon him. "But, for God's sake, leave me, master Nicolo, and carry away with you all of my masterpieces."

"No!" still cried the crazy manager, "I will not leave you until you have promised and sworn to honor my theatre to-morrow, by your presence! Fear nothing for your safety; I am sure that the whole audience, after having heard your admirable music, will lead you back in triumph to your house; I myself, with my faithful comrades,—I will escort you with torches, and the malignant devils who dare to make us draw our rapiers had better beware!"

"Truly, truly will you do this?" murmured the happy Capuzzi, ready to burst with pride; "and I shall hear Formica who has such a fine voice, sing my best pieces? Well, master Nicolo, I promise you to go to your theatre to-morrow."

Nicolo arose lightly, like a victorious wrestler, and clasped Capuzzi's carcase in his arms so vigorously, that he nearly suffocated him.

At this moment Marianna appeared. The jealous old man threw a quick glance towards her to make her retire, but the young girl had recognized the manager of the theatre at the People's Gate.

"It is in vain, sir," said she to him in an angry tone, "it is in vain that you try to attract my excellent uncle to your barrack; I will not suffer him to expose himself again to a nocturnal attack like that which was near costing our learned friend Splendiano his life, and which nearly rendered this dear uncle a victim to his devotedness in saving my life and my honor. Do not hope for my consent, master Nicolo; and you, dear uncle, do not give me the pain of knowing you threatened again by some diabolical ambush."

Capuzzi fixed upon his niece his great red eyes, with a look of surprise; but it was in vain that he detailed all the precautions that the obliging Nicolo offered to take for his safety; Marianna remained inflexible.