Amidst this conversation, one of them imprudently introduced again the name of Morano; and Verezzi, now more heated by wine, disregarded the expressive looks of Cavigni, and gave some dark hints of what had passed on the preceding night.

These, however, Montoni did not appear to understand, for he continued silent in his chair, without discovering any emotion, while, the choler of Verezzi increasing with the apparent insensibility of Montoni, he at length told the suggestion of Morano, that this castle did not lawfully belong to him, and that he would not willingly leave another murder on his conscience.
'Am I to be insulted at my own table, and by my own friends ?' said Montoni, with a countenance pale in anger.

'Why are the words of that madman repeated to me ?' Verezzi, who had expected to hear Montoni's indignation poured forth against Morano, and answered by thanks to himself, looked with astonishment at Cavigni, who enjoyed his confusion.
'Can you be weak enough to credit the assertions of a madman ?' rejoined Montoni, 'or, what is the same thing, a man possessed by the spirit of vengeance?
But he has succeeded too well; you believe what he said.' 'Signor,' said Verezzi, 'we believe only what we know.'-- 'How!' interrupted Montoni, sternly: 'produce your proof.' 'We believe only what we know,' repeated Verezzi, 'and we know nothing of what Morano asserts.' Montoni seemed to recover himself.

'I am hasty, my friends,' said he, 'with respect to my honour; no man shall question it with impunity--you did not mean to question it.

These foolish words are not worth your remembrance, or my resentment.