“In that case, let 's starve them out,” said George. “Suffer no supplies to be thrown into the place, and exact the most humble terms of submission.”
“Then, where to go? that 's another question,” said Lady Hester.
“His Eminence expects to see you in Rome,” whispered the Abbe, who had waited for an opportunity for the suggestion. “I believe he relies on a promise.”
“Very true; but not just yet. Besides, the season is almost over,” said Lady Hester, with a slight degree of confusion.
“Don't be frightened, Abbe,” whispered Jekyl in D'Esmonde's ear. “Her Ladyship is assuredly 'going to Rome' later on.”
The priest smiled, with an expression that told how fully he comprehended the phrase.
“There 's a little villa of mine, on the Lake of Como, very much at your service,” said Midchekoff, with the easy indifference of one suggesting something perfectly indifferent to him.
“Do you mean La Rocca, Prince?” added the Sicilian.
“Yes. They tell me it is prettily situated, but I 've never seen it. The Empress passed a few weeks there last year, and liked it,” said Midchekoff, languidly.
“Really, Prince, if I don't know how to accept, I am still more at a loss for power to refuse your offer.”