"This is a great boon to me," said the count, coolly replacing the document in the pocket-book. "I hope this verification will dispel your royal highness' unjust suspicions against me."
"Indeed, impudence does disgust me," said the princess, ringing her hand bell quickly.
The nun in waiting entered hastily.
"Send my courier to carry this note to Cardinal Rohan, who is in the cathedral chapter. Let his eminence come hither, as I await him."
While speaking she scribbled a couple of lines on paper which she handed the nun, whispering:
"Post two archers of the rural guard in the corridor, and let not a soul issue without my leave. Go!"
The count had watched all the princess'
preparations to fight out the battle with him. While she was writing, he approached the inner room, and he muttered some words while extending and working his hands in a movement more methodical than nervous, with his eyes fastened on the door. The princess, turning, caught him in the act.
"Madame," said the count, "I am adjuring Lorenza Feliciani to come personally and confirm by her own words and by her free will whether I am or not a forger and an impostor, without prejudice to the other proofs your highness may exact. Lorenza," called out the count, rising above all—even to the princess' will, "come forth!"
The key grated in the lock and the princess beheld with unspeakable apprehension the coming of the Italian beauty.