"No, it is no wonder," assented Adele, who felt that she was launched, and must go to the end, though she had no time to consider the consequences.
"I suppose there is really some evidence about Arden's habits," resumed the Prince. "Of course he will deny it all, and I would like to have something to fall back upon—to convince myself more thoroughly, you understand."
Adele paused a moment.
"Arden has a Scotch servant," she said presently. "It appears that he is very intimate with our butler, who has often seen him going into the Tempietto with bottles of brandy hidden in an overcoat he carries on his arm."
"Dear me! How shocking!" exclaimed the Prince. "So old Giuseppe has actually seen that!"
"Often," replied Adele, with conviction. "But then, after all—so many men drink. If it were not for Laura—poor Laura!"
"Poor Laura,—yes, as I said, it is no wonder if she has fallen in love with Francesco—such a handsome fellow, too! She has shown good taste, at least." The Prince laughed gently. "At all events, you are not jealous, Adele; I can see that."
"I?" exclaimed Adele, with indignant scorn. "No, indeed!"
Gerano began to feel his pockets, as though searching for something he could not find. Then he rang the bell at his elbow.
"I have forgotten my cigarettes, my dear, I must have left them in my coat," he said.