"Then I may rely upon you, Julio?"
"Have no anxiety about my journey; the rising sun will not find me at
Antwerp."
"Are you certain?"
"As certain as I am that a halter hangs over my head, and over yours
something quite as disagreeable."
This jest of his servant made Turchi convulsively contract his lips, but
he restrained any expression of feeling, and arose, saying: "Julio, would you like a glass of good Malmsey?"
"Ah, signor," replied the servant, "I was just thinking that a cup of
Malmsey would relieve my parched throat, when, lo! my desire finds an echo
in your heart."
"One single glass--a parting bumper."
"One or many, signor, as you wish--either will be welcome; but the
excellent wine locked in the cupboard of your room will be particularly
acceptable."
"Well, Julio, come with me, and we will drink to the happy termination of
your journey."
He arose, traversed a passage, and ascended to the upper story. The
servant followed him staggering, and trying to steady himself by the wall.
Having reached his bed-room, Turchi drew a second chair to the table, and
said: "Sit down, Julio; here is a bottle already opened. If I did not fear its
effects, we would empty it in honor of your departure."
Julio sat down, and held the bottle before the lamp.
"Bah!" he exclaimed, "it only contains about four glasses. You need not
trouble yourself about that quantity."
Signor Turchi took two large glasses from the cupboard, placed them on the
table, and filled their to the brim.
"A pleasant journey to you, Julio," he said, "and may you arrive safely at
your destination."
They both emptied their glasses at one draught, but the servant pushed his
glass to his master, saying: "Oh, the divine liquor! it is a cooling balm to my burning throat. One
more glass, signor, I beg you."
Simon filled the glasses again, and said: "Yes, but on condition that you wait awhile before drinking it."
Hoping that his obedience might procure him a third glass, Julio resisted
the temptation to gratify himself at once.
In the meantime, Turchi contemplated his servant with a peculiar
expression. There was a malicious sparkle in his eye, and a smile of
triumph on his lips. He evidently had some purpose in thus watching Julio;
but what could be his secret design?
At last he pretended that he was about to take the wine, but by a quick
movement he upset it.