human
And this stranger, did he give evidence? Did he account for--
gpt
No, interrupted the count,
human
A very lame story,
gpt
Yes, but we Italians are superstitious. The alleged instinct was regarded as the whisper of Providence; the stranger became an object of universal interest and curiosity. His wealth, his manner of living, his extraordinary personal beauty, have assisted also to make him the rage.
human
What is his name?
gpt
Zicci. Signor Zicci.
human
Is it not an Italian name? He speaks English like a native.
gpt
So he does French and German, as well as Italian, to my knowledge. But he declares himself a Corsican by birth, though I cannot hear of any eminent Corsican family of that name. However, what matters his birth or parentage? He is rich, generous, and the best swordsman I ever saw in my life. Who would affront him?
human
Not I, certainly, said Merton, rising.
gpt
Come, Glyndon, shall we seek our hotel? It is almost daylight. Adieu, signor.
human
What think you of this story?
gpt
Why, it is very clear that this Zicci is some impostor, some clever rogue; and the Neapolitan shares booty, and puffs him off with all the hackneyed charlatanism of the marvellous. An unknown adventurer gets into society by being made an object of awe and curiosity; he is devilish handsome; and the women are quite content to receive him without any other recommendation than his own face and Cetoxa's fables.
human
I cannot agree with you. Cetoxa, though a gambler and a rake, is a nobleman of birth and high repute for courage and honor. Besides, this stranger, with his grand features and lofty air,--so calm, so unobtrusive,--has nothing in common with the forward garrulity of an impostor.
gpt
My dear Glyndon, pardon me, but you have not yet acquired any knowledge of the world; the stranger makes the best of a fine person, and his grand air is but a trick of the trade. But to change the subject: how gets on the love affair?
human
Oh! Isabel could not see me to-night. The old woman gave me a note of excuse.
gpt
You must not marry her; what would they all say at home?
human
Let us enjoy the present, said Glyndon, with vivacity;
gpt
Bravo, Glyndon! Here we are at the hotel. Sleep sound, and don't dream of Signor Zicci.