Danger in the Dark - ZseZse

CHAPTER XVI.
Early life of Dupin -Hia relationship to Bedini - Their boyhood
associations in Italy - Immoral habits - Oolloquy between Mr.
and Mrs. Foresti.
IF the courteous reader will indulge me in an episode,
(such perhaps it may be considered,) I will here
introduce a brief account of the early life of Dupin.
To the critic, this may seem to break the proper connection,
and mar the harmony of the narrative; and
perhaps he may regard it as not very legitimately
belonging to the main story which the author set out
to tell; yet I am persuaded it will not be considered
altogether foreign and out of place. Since this accomplished
Jesuit has figured so conspicuously in the
preceding pages, it is but natural that the reader
should have some curiosity, and feel a desire to know
more about him and learn something of his origin.
Dupin was a native of Italy; born in a suburb of
the city of Rome. His father was an ignorant papist,
who became a monk and forsook his family to lead a
lewd and idle life, under pretense of seeking eminent
piety, and being entirely devoted to religion. Of the
manner in which the forsaken wife and mother ameliorated
he~ condition, it is best not to speak. The
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