The private visiting-room had one disadvantage. Every word that passed

was repeated to the Director. Later the same day the Director wrote to

the Royal Commissioner: "Sorry to say the man Rocco has asked for an interview to retract his

denunciation. I have refused it, and he has been violent with the chief

warder. But inspired by a sentiment of justice I feel it my duty to warn

you that I have been misled, that my instructions have been badly

interpreted, and that I cannot hold myself responsible for the document

I sent you."

The Commissioner sent this letter on to the Minister of the Interior,

who immediately called up the Chief of Police.

"Commendatore," said the Baron, "what was the offence for which young

Charles Minghelli was dismissed from the embassy in London?"

"He was suspected of forgery, your Excellency."

"The warrant for his arrest was drawn out but never executed?"

"That is so, and we still hold it at the office...."

"Commendatore!"

"Your Excellency?"

"Let the papers that were taken at the domiciliary visitation in the

apartments of Deputy Rossi and his man Bruno be gone through again--let

Minghelli go through them. You follow me?"

"Perfectly, Excellency."

"Let your Delegate see if there is not a letter among them from Rossi to

Bruno's wife--you understand?"

"I do."

"If such a letter can be found let it be sent to the Under Prefect to

add to his report for to-morrow's trial, and let the Public Prosecutor

read it to the prisoner."

"It shall be done, your Excellency."

XVI At eight o'clock the next morning Roma was going into the courtyard of

the Castle of St. Angelo when she met the carriage of the Prime Minister

coming out. The coachman was stopped from inside, and the Baron himself

alighted.

"You look tired, my child," he said.

"I am tired," she answered.

"Hardly more than a month, yet so many things have happened!"

"Oh, that! That's nothing--nothing whatever."

"Why should you pass through these privations? Roma, if I allowed these

misfortunes to befall you it was only to let you feel what others could

do for you. But I am the same as ever, and you have only to stretch out

your hand and I am here to lighten your lot."

"All that is over now. It is no use speaking as you spoke before. You

are talking to another woman."




readonlinefreebook.com Copyright 2016 - 2024