9/18 When Count Malvesi returned, he found Mr.Falkland established almost as an inmate of the Pisani palace. His mind could not fail to be struck with the criticalness of the situation. He was perhaps secretly conscious that the qualifications of the Englishman were superior to his own; and he trembled for the progress that each party might have made in the affection of the other, even before they were aware of the danger. He believed that the match was in every respect such as to flatter the ambition of Mr.Falkland; and he was stung even to madness by the idea of being deprived of the object dearest to his heart by this tramontane upstart. She, in the gaiety of her heart, trifled with his anxiety. |