III

The Palazzo Braschi is a triangular palace, whereof one front faces to

the Piazza Navona and the two other fronts to side streets. It is the

official palace of the Minister of the Interior, usually the President

of the Council and Prime Minister of Italy.

Roma arrived at eleven o'clock, and was taken to the Minister's room

immediately, by way of an outer chamber, in which colleagues and

secretaries were waiting their turn for an interview. The Baron was

seated at a table covered with books and papers. There was a fur rug

across his knees, and at his right hand lay a small ivory-handled

revolver. He rose as Roma entered, and received her with his great but

glacial politeness.

"How prompt! And how sweet you look to-day, my child! On a cheerless

morning like this you bring the sun itself into a poor Minister's gloomy

cabinet. Sit down."

"You wished to see me?" said Roma.

The Baron rested his elbow on the table, leaned his head on his hand,

looked at her with his never-varying smile, and said:

"I hear you are to be congratulated, my dear."

She changed colour slightly.

"Are you surprised that I know?" he asked.

"Why should I be surprised?" she answered. "You know everything.

Besides, this is published at the Capitol, and therefore common

knowledge."

His smiling face remained perfectly impassive.

"Now I understand what you meant on Sunday. It is a fact that a wife

cannot be called as a witness against her husband."

She knew he was watching her face as if looking into the inmost recesses

of her soul.

"But isn't it a little courageous of you to think of marriage?"

"Why courageous?" she asked, but her eyes fell and the colour mounted to

her cheek.

"Why courageous?" he repeated.

He allowed a short time to elapse, and then he said in a a low tone,

"Considering the past, and all that has happened...."

Her eyelids trembled and she rose to her feet.

"If this is all you wish to say to me...."

"No, no! Sit down, my child. I sent for you in order to show you that

the marriage you contemplate may be difficult, perhaps impossible."

"I am of age--there can be no impediment."

"There may be the greatest of all impediments, my dear."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean ... But wait! You are not in a hurry? A number of gentlemen are

waiting to see me, and if you will permit me to ring for my

secretary.... Don't move. Colleagues merely! They will not object to

your presence. My ward, you know--almost a member of my own household.

Ah, here is the secretary. Who now?"




readonlinefreebook.com Copyright 2016 - 2024