As the prince left me, I turned, and saw Zanoni at my side.
"'The prince is a braggart,' said he, with the same smile that displeased me before.

'He would monopolize all fortune and all love.

Let us take our revenge.' "'And how ?' "'He has at this moment, in his house, the most enchanting singer in Naples,--the celebrated Viola Pisani.

She is here, it is true, not by her own choice; he carried her hither by force, but he will pretend that she adores him.

Let us insist on his producing this secret treasure, and when she enters, the Duc de R-- can have no doubt that his flatteries and attentions will charm the lady, and provoke all the jealous fears of our host.