there is not another person in the world to whom I could tell

them—and because I know that they will not trouble you. You will

feel a little friendly sympathy, and that will be enough. But you

will feel no pain. After all, I daresay that I exaggerate, and that

there is nothing so very painful in the matter, as it will strike

you. But the case is serious, as you will see. It involves my life,

perhaps for many years to come.

"I am completely in Del Ferice's power. A year ago I had the

possibility of freeing myself. What do you think that chance was? I

could have gone to my grandfather and asked him to lay down a sum