"Ah, you think so?" observed the Contessa, with a cruel smile.
"I am sure of it!"
She winced, and looked at him in a startled manner, upon which, impelled by some mysterious impulse, I know not what, I joined in the conversation,--
"On the contrary, madame, I do not think Signor Pallanza will ever be seen again."
All present turned round in surprise, and the Contessa darted a look at me which seemed to pierce my soul. Only Beltrami was unmoved, and he, with a smile on his face, laid his hand upon my shoulder.
"Eh, Signor Hugo, and why do you think so?"
"A mere fancy, Marchese, nothing more."
"Ma foi! and a fancy that may turn out true!"
I was annoyed at having yielded to the impulse and spoken out, as, unless I told all about my adventure, I could not substantiate my statement, and I was certainly not going to reveal anything I knew, particularly in the presence of the woman so deeply implicated in the affair. Beltrami's mocking manner irritated me fearfully, the more so as it was so very unaccountable, and I was about to make some sharp reply, when the opening chorus of the last act sounded, and all the gentlemen, after making their adieux to the Contessa, left the room.
The Marchese offered his arm to Madame Morone, but she dismissed him with a haughty gesture.