They recouped themselves
by fleecing the more ingenuous of their clients.
In the case of Muhlen's occultation there was even less surprise than
usual. Everybody, judging by his lavish display of gold and showy
manner, expected him to depart sooner or later in the orthodox
manner--at night-time, by means of a sailing boat secretly hired,
conscientiously prepaid. His more intimate friends, the Magistrate and
the Commissioner, were less surprised than anyone else. True, Signore
Malipizzo was somewhat hurt, because Muhlen had practically invited him
to stay at his own native town where every kind of amusement was to be
had, the female society being of the choicest. Exuberant women--and
rich! It would have been a pleasant change after the trim but tedious
gardens of Salsomaggiore. He had strong homes, however, of receiving a
letter from some safe place outside the dominions, making an
appointment for the holidays. For form's sake, of course, he promptly
initiated the ordinary judicial enquiries.
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