"I hope the Baroness is quite well," he said after a time.
"Quite well, thank you," answered Volterra, nodding and smiling.
Malipieri continued to pace the floor, trying to see some way out of the situation in which he was caught, and praying to heaven that Sabina might still be sound asleep. If she were up, she would certainly come to the study in search of him before long, as the doors opened in no other direction. All his nerves and faculties were strung to the utmost tension, and if the worst came he was prepared to attempt anything.
"It is a very fine day after the rain," observed the Baron presently.
"It never rains long in Rome, in the spring," answered Malipieri.
The detective wrote steadily, and neither spoke again till he had finished.
"Of course," he said to Malipieri, "you are quite sure of your statements."
"Provided that you have written down exactly what I said," Malipieri answered.
The detective rose and handed him the sheets, at which he glanced rapidly.
"Yes. That is what I said."