Page:Hoffmann's Strange Stories - Hoffman - 1855.djvu/276

 ble charm of her whole person which makes me tremble for your future peace. Still again, clear friend, distrust the capricious nature of women; and, since you force me to explain, have you not until now reflected on the conduct of Marianna herself? Have you forgot the duplicity of this pretty child, whose simplicity you admire? Remember the night that we carried old Capuzzi home; the tender ward, did she not play her part towards him like a finished actress? And still later, are you ignorant of the art that she knew how to assume, at the time of Nicolo Musso's visit? Say and maintain what you please, and you will not be the less convinced of the cunning of this little Marianna, to cajole her uncle and put at rest his suspicions; it exceeds all trickery imaginable at so tender an age. She has in reality overcome all the obstacles which might retard the success of our projects. I do not pretend to say that towards this old fool Capuzzi all tricks are not legitimate. All is fair in war, says the proverb; but it is not the less possible that"

"Hold, Antonio, let us stop here, I pray you; I don't know, perhaps, what I am saying; do not be offended with me, for I wish nothing but your most perfect felicity with the young girl that you love. Let us think of nothing but the success of the plan which we have formed."

The evening that saw Pasquale Capuzzi take the road, for a second time, with Marianna, towards Formica's theatre, seemed to light up by the rays of the setting sun, the march of an unfortunate, whom an irresistible law drew towards a torture. Before them gravely walked, with an extremely repulsive look, the terrible Michael, armed at all points, like a paladin of ancient times. Behind the trembling couple was scattered a score of police, each one under the strictest orders.

Master Nicolo Musso awaited the illustrious composer at the door of his theatre. The house was filled with spectators, and he hastened to conduct Capuzzi and his charming niece to the places of honor which had been provided for them.—