“We feared the latter,” said the sly villain gravely. “It was by orders of his Eminence my master and Signor Sarfati that you were brought hither. It was said in the palace, you were ill and deranged. I am appointed to watch you.” The whole intent of Sarfati’s solicitude for my health and the effect of his medicine came now to me like a flash. It served to clear my reeling senses. This, then, was Marianna’s handiwork. While I had reflected complacently on my triumph over her, she had struck. I was a prisoner in my own mansion. If I recovered my freedom without some abject compromise, I was a fortunate man. In my unskilful folly I had driven Marianna and her father to extremities, and well did I know how they could fight. “Well, Eugenio,” said I, regarding the fellow steadily, “I intend to waste no breath cursing you.” “Thanks, Eccellenza,” came his answer. “You have doubtless been ordered to report when I have awakened.” “I have, Eccellenza.” “Go, then, and tell his Eminence or Madonna Marianna that I am awake, but that if they wish to converse with me, they must first contrive to ease this headache, which is driving me frantic.” “I go to tell them, Eccellenza,” and out he went, leaving me to all manner of imaginings. In a few moments the door was opened by no less a visitor than the Cardinale di Forli. The good prelate was smiling benignantly, and bore in his hand a tiny glass of pure green liquid. “Drink,” he said, advancing to the bedside; “this, more than most liqueurs, is for your health.” I eyed the glass shrewdly. “After what has just befallen, Eminenza,” I hesitated, “I may well think twice even ere drinking from the hands of the Cardinale di Forli.” “Nonsense,” he answered jauntily; “this is not _aqua tofana_. A man as sensible as yourself should know that we know that all your Italian property is willed to your Florentine kinsfolk and your sudden demise would work more havoc with our wishes than even this return to Germany.” Convinced that the Cardinal for once spoke the truth, I drank off the glass and at once experienced a beneficial effect; my head cleared and the throbbing partially ceased. I was able to sit up in bed and ask Forli if he would graciously state his business.