human
Sir, then said Jackeymo, speaking in his native tongue, and expressing himself with a certain simple pathos,
gpt
I am but a poor man; my name is Giacomo. You have heard of me; servant to the signore whom you saw to-day,--only a servant; but he honours me with his confidence. We have known danger together; and of all his friends and followers, I alone came with him to the stranger's land.
human
Good, faithful fellow, said Randal, examining the man's face,
gpt
He did. Ah, sir; the padrone was too proud to ask you to explain more, --too proud to show fear of another. But he does fear, he ought to fear, he shall fear, continued Jackeymo, working himself up to passion,--
human
Indeed, said Randal,
gpt
I believe that such is his object.
human
But why? He is rich, she is penniless,--no, not quite that, for we have saved--but penniless, compared to him.
gpt
My good friend, I know not yet his motives; but I can easily learn them. If, however, this count be your master's enemy, it is surely well to guard against him, whatever his designs; and to do so, you should move into London or its neighbourhood. I fear that, while we speak, the count may get upon his track.
human
He had better not come here!
gpt
Beware of your own anger, Giacomo. One act of violence, and you would be transported from England, and your mast'r would lose a friend.
human
And if the padrone were to meet him, do you think the padrone would meekly say, 'Come sta sa Signoria'? The padrone would strike him dead!
gpt
Hush! hush! You speak of what in England is called murder, and is punished by the gallows. If you really love your master, for Heaven's sake get him from this place, get him from all chance of such passion and peril. I go to town to-morrow; I will find him a house, that shall be safe from all spies, all discovery. And there, too, my friend. I can do what I cannot at this distance,--watch over him, and keep watch also on his enemy.
human
Signore, I think you have seen the padrone twice. Why do you take this interest in him?
gpt
Is it so uncommon to take interest even in a stranger who is menaced by some peril?
human
Besides, continued Randal, suddenly bethinking himself of a more plausible reason,--
gpt
The good lord! Oh, now I understand, interrupted Jackeymo, and his brow cleared.
human
Ah, if he were in England! But you will let us know when he comes?
gpt
Certainly. Now, tell me, Giacomo, is this count really unprincipled and dangerous? Remember I know him not personally.
human
He has neither heart nor conscience.
gpt
That defect makes him dangerous to men; perhaps not less so to women. Could it be possible, if he obtained any interview with the signora, that he could win her affections?
human
I have heard that he is still very handsome.
gpt
Enough; persuade the padrone to come to town.
human
But if the count is in town?
gpt
That makes no difference; the safest place is always the largest city. Everywhere else, a foreigner is in himself an object of attention and curiosity.
human
True.
gpt
Let your master, then, come to London, or rather, into its neighbourhood. He can reside in one of the suburbs most remote from the count's haunts. In two days I will have found him a lodging and write to him. You trust to me now?
human
I do indeed,--I do, Excellency. Ah, if the signorina were married, we would not care!
gpt
Married! But she looks so high!
human
Alas! not now! not here!