"And betray you, Signori," said the Count, with bitterness; "sell you like a spy and informer?" "_Never!_" said all the company; "Monte-Leone can be no spy." "Thank you, Signori, for the good opinion you have of me," said the Count in an ironical tone; "why then did you demand that foolish manifestation in the theatre of San Carlo? Do you not see that I have given you sufficient pledges by risking my life at the _Venta_ of Pompeia, where I, who had every gratification that fortune could bestow on me, risked every thing by declaring myself your chief? Let me tell you, Signori, two powerful motives led me--my convictions and my father's blood, which yet calls to me for vengeance. The following is my second question:--Do the _Vente_ of Italy promise to obey my orders without giving any to me?" "Monsignore, you in this demand perfect submission!" "Perfect, Signori; I will make my demand more explicit. I demand obedience, to act by my orders, and never without them; to think as I do, and to be the body of an association of which I am the soul." The _Carbonari_ were silent. "Decide!" said the Count, taking out his watch. "I had but two hours to devote to you, to settle all, and only a few minutes remain." The _Carbonari_ consulted together. Their conversation was animated as possible. The Count looked again at his watch, and all turned towards him. "Your excellency," said the one who seemed to be the most important, "may rely on our faith, conscience, and trust in you. We would, though, think we exceeded our powers, and implicate the brothers who have confided in us too deeply, if we were to consent to be passive, as you wish us and the Italian _Vente_ to become. "Then there is nothing more to be said, Signori," and Monte-Leone arose. "Perhaps I have confided too implicitly in my audacity, resolution, and the power over myself, which never has deserted me. I deceived myself, perhaps, when too proudly I fancied I could inspire you with confidence equal to my own. I thought by risking life, fortune, and all, I won the right to hold the dice myself. But you do not think thus, and I submit. Faithful to my oaths, and to our principles, I am always ready to keep and to defend them. Acting, henceforth, alone, I shall do as I please, and be accountable to myself alone. Now, Signori, adieu! I shall leave Italy, and perhaps Europe, in search of a country, the institutions of which recognize the true principles of national happiness. Wherever, though, I may be, I will be _mute as to your secrets, and devoted to your principles_. You had just now a chief in Count Monte-Leone. He is so no more, but is still your brother."