‘My steward has my confidence in everything—go on!’ said Fabricius.
‘You will pardon me, but before a third person I cannot speak; nor would you suffer another to be present if you knew what I had to say.’
‘Then leave it unsaid!’ replied the old man testily.
Cestus drew near him and said in a low tone,
‘Did you not receive a letter, not long ago, containing a piece of ribbon?’
Fabricius started and fixed an intent look on the Suburan. His breast heaved with a sudden emotion.
‘Well, what of it?’ he said.
‘You did receive it, then?’ said Cestus.
Fabricius nodded hastily.
‘Then I am the bearer of a further message from him who wrote that letter and sent that ribbon—and see, here is my warrant!’