"I want to see Signor Consalvi at once; is it too late?" asked a man's voice anxiously.
"I am Consalvi. Who are you, please?" asked Marcello.
"Kalmon. Is it true that Corbario has left the villa?"
"Yes. He left this afternoon."
"Where is he now?"
"He drove to the railway station. I don't know where he is gone. He left no address."
"—railway station—no address—" Marcello heard the words as Kalmon spoke to some other person at his elbow, wherever he was.
"May I come at once?" Kalmon asked.
"Yes. I am alone. I'll have the lower gate opened."
"Thanks. I shall be at the gate in twenty minutes. Good-bye."